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Updated: Aug 28, 2026

A Modified Co-Culture System for Understanding Granulosa-Theca Cell Interactions in the Bovine Ovary
Published on: September 19, 2025
LHCGR phamacodynamic effects during follicular maturation
Carmela Perri1,2, Livio Casarini1,3, Clara Lazzaretti1
1Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
Abstract:
Luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are glycoprotein hormones that regulate human reproduction. Although they bind the same G protein-coupled membrane receptor (LHCGR) and have high percentage of structural identity, recent advances demonstrate that they mediate different signaling pattern according to their separate physiological roles. This review explores the role of LHCGR in determining the evolutionary, genetic, and physiological differences between LH and hCG. Some of these differences were revealed by mutations of the receptors, allowing the identification of LH- and hCG-specific functions in women and men. This knowledge is useful to optimize the use of molecules in clinical practice, aiming toward personalized therapies.
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