Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats
Published on: October 13, 2018
Involvement of glutathione in puberty and FSH release
1Department of Biochemistry, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad 500482, AP, India. kotwal4pasha@yahoo.co.in
Abstract:
Administration of glutathione subcutaneously to immature female (age and weight matched) rats brings about a pre-ponement of puberty. A significant increase in pituitary, ovaries and uterine mass was observed in the experimental rats. Further, a considerable increase in pituitary FSH levels was also observed after intraventricular injection of glutathione in ovariectomized-steroid primed rats. Intraventricular administration of L-buthionine SR sulfoxamine produced a significant decrease in plasma FSH levels in intact male rats. These studies demonstrate the neuroendocrine role of glutathione on gonadotropins, specifically in relation to FSH release.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Signs of Puberty
Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
Folliculogenesis
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...

