Reduction in Pituitary Desensitization and Prolongation of Gonadotropin Release by Estrogen during Continuous Administration of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone in Women

Abstract

The present study was designed to elucidate gonadal steroid influences on gonadotropin release and subsequent pituitary desensitization to GnRH. Sixteen women, 10 of whom were normal and 6 of whom had hypogonadism, were infused with GnRH at rates ranging from 0.313–10 eg/h via an indwelling iv catheter for 66 h. Blood samples obtained throughout the GnRH infusion were analyzed for LH, FSH, estradiol, and progesterone. A prompt and substantial release of gonadotropin occurred in women with ovarian failure or during the luteal phase in normal women compared with that during the follicular phaseof the menstrual cycle. Thereafter, a gradual decrease in gonadotropin secretion occurred due to pituitary desensitization, which was slower in the follicular phase than in other groups. A dose-related increase in integrated LH release occurred during GnRH infusion, but this response tapered off with administration of large doses of GnRH to women with ovarian failure or during the luteal phase. In contrast, it increas...