Chorionic gonadotropin secretion in normal, nonpregnant humans
W D Odell1, J Griffin, A Sawitzke
1Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Utah School of Medicine, 50 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Human chorionic gonadotropin-like material is found in nonpregnant individuals, mirroring luteinizing hormone secretion patterns. This substance, likely from the pituitary gland, responds to gonadotropin-releasing hormone and is reduced by GnRH agonists and estrogen.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a key hormone in pregnancy.
- The presence and function of hCG-like substances in nonpregnant humans are not well understood.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) plays a crucial role in reproductive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of chorionic gonadotropin-like material in normal, nonpregnant humans.
- To determine the relationship between this material and luteinizing hormone (LH).
- To explore the regulation of this material by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and related compounds.
Main Methods:
- Detection and quantification of chorionic gonadotropin-like material in blood and urine samples.
- Parallel measurement of luteinizing hormone (LH) levels.
- Administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and GnRH agonists to assess hormonal response.
- Administration of estrogen to evaluate its suppressive effects.
Main Results:
- A chorionic gonadotropin-like material was detected in the blood and urine of normal, nonpregnant individuals.
- The secretion of this material occurred in a pulsatile manner, parallel to luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulated the release of this material.
- GnRH agonists and estrogen demonstrated a suppressive effect on its secretion.
Conclusions:
- A chorionic gonadotropin-like substance is present and secreted by normal, nonpregnant humans.
- The pituitary gland is the probable source of this hCG-like material.
- Its secretion pattern and hormonal regulation suggest a potential link with the LH system.
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