[Response of subunits of human pituitary gonadotropins to LH-RH 2 step stimulations in ovarian dysfunction]

To investigate the alteration of pituitary gonadotropin subunits in ovarian dysfunction by two step administration of LH-RH at 60 minutes interval, specific and sensitive radioimmunoassays of the subunits were utilized for this study. Blood samples were obtained from thirteen women of ovarian dysfunction and from fifteen normal women of subunits. The definition of delta 1 and delta 2 was as follows. delta 1(hormone release) = 30 (or 60) min value-0 min value. delta 2(hormone synthesis and release) = 90 (or 120, 180)-60 min value. delta 1 delta 2 ratio = delta 2/delta 1. Correlation was observed between the value of native gonadotropic hormones and the value of their subunits (LH-alpha and LH-beta) in normal women but no correlation was detected in delta 1 and delta 2 values in ovarian dysfunction. Thus LH-RH 2 step test suggest the possibility to differentiated pituitary function in both normal and abnormal subjects. The analysis of gonadotropin subunits was useful to develop new diagnostic criteria of ovarian dysfunction.