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Pulsatile secretion of chorionic gonadotropin during the normal menstrual cycle
1Department of Internal Medicine and Physiology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City 84132.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is secreted in pulses throughout the menstrual cycle. These pulses of hCG and luteinizing hormone (LH) differ in duration and half-life during the follicular and luteal phases.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Hormone Secretion Dynamics
Background:
- Previous studies indicated the presence of small amounts of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in nonpregnant individuals.
- Sensitive assays have enabled the quantification of hCG and luteinizing hormone (LH) in various physiological states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pulsatile secretion patterns of hCG during the follicular and luteal phases of the normal human menstrual cycle.
- To compare the secretion dynamics of hCG with LH during the menstrual cycle.
Main Methods:
- Utilized highly sensitive and specific two-monoclonal antibody, sandwich-type assays.
- Quantified hCG and LH levels in sera from women throughout the menstrual cycle.
- Analyzed pulse frequency, duration, and half-life (t1/2) of both hormones.
Main Results:
- hCG was secreted in a pulsatile manner during both follicular and luteal phases.
- Pulse frequency of hCG and LH was similar during the follicular phase but not significantly different during the luteal phase.
- Pulse durations and half-lives of hCG and LH differed significantly between phases and between hormones, with LH generally having longer durations and half-lives.
Conclusions:
- Small amounts of hCG are secreted in a pulsatile fashion throughout the human menstrual cycle.
- The secretion dynamics of hCG, including pulse duration and half-life, vary between the follicular and luteal phases.
- LH exhibits distinct secretion dynamics compared to hCG during the menstrual cycle.