Pathophysiologic features of episodic gonadotropin secretion in man
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|September 1, 1987
Summary
Hormone secretion is usually intermittent, not constant, conveying vital information. This review examines luteinizing hormone (LH) signaling, its role in reproduction, and related neuroendocrine disorders.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Reproductive Physiology
Background:
- Endocrine glands utilize pulsatile hormone secretion to signal target tissues, a mode believed to carry significant information.
- The pulsatile nature of hormone release is crucial for normal physiological function and cellular communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the luteinizing hormone (LH) pulse signal in humans as a model for general endocrine signaling.
- To examine recent advancements in understanding the pathophysiology of LH secretion in both sexes.
- To illustrate how neuroendocrine disturbances affect reproductive states.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on endocrine signaling and LH secretion.
- Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying altered LH secretion.
- Exploration of new models for pituitary-secretory dynamics.
Main Results:
- Pulsatile hormone release is a fundamental signaling mechanism in the endocrine system.
- Disruptions in LH secretion patterns are linked to reproductive abnormalities.
- Neuroendocrine dysregulation can lead to altered reproductive states.
Conclusions:
- The pulsatile LH signal serves as a key paradigm for understanding endocrine communication.
- Further research into pituitary-secretory dynamics can elucidate subtle fertility regulation defects.
- Understanding these mechanisms is vital for diagnosing and managing reproductive disorders.
More Related Videos
11:04Unraveling the Role of Discrete Areas of the Rat Brain in the Regulation of Ovulation through Reversible Inactivation by Tetrodotoxin Microinjections
Published on: September 3, 2020
08:56Remote Neuronal Activation Coupled with Automated Blood Sampling to Induce and Measure Circulating Luteinizing Hormone in Mice
Published on: August 25, 2023
Related Concept Videos
01:19Regulation of Hormone Secretion
Regulation of hormone secretion is a finely tuned orchestration driven by various types of stimuli, encompassing neural, humoral, and hormonal signals. Environmental cues instigate neural stimuli, where action potentials traverse nerve fibers to reach their designated targets. An illustrative scenario is the body's response to stress, wherein the sympathetic nervous system releases epinephrine from the adrenal glands, inducing the well-known 'fight or flight' reaction.
Humoral stimuli,...
Humoral stimuli,...
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
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...
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...
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
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.
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.
01:26Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...
01:27Ovarian Cycle
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
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...
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...