The relationship between endogenous testosterone and gonadotrophin secretion
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2026
Extra Cellular Matrix-Based and Extra Cellular Matrix-Free Generation of Murine Testicular Organoids
Published on: October 7, 2020
N A Bridges1, P C Hindmarsh, P J Pringle
1International Growth Research Centre, Middlesex Hospital, London, UK.
Objective:
The secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone in the adult male was studied by means of 48-hour profiles. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of the endogenous circadian variation in serum testosterone concentration on LH pulsatility, and to determine the temporal relationships between FSH and LH, and between LH and testosterone by cross-correlation, and the pulse frequency of these hormones by spectral analysis, as revealed by extended sampling periods.
Design:
Hormone profiles were obtained by 20-minute sampling over 48 hours.
Subjects:
Six healthy adult males, aged between 21 and 23 years.
Measurements:
LH and FSH were measured using an immunoradiometric assay and testosterone with a solid-phase radioimmunoassay.
Results:
The profiles showed pulsatile secretion of all three hormones, and a circadian rhythm with levels highest between 0200 and 0600 h. Cross-correlation analysis: There was a significant relationship between LH and FSH (r = 0.5; P = 0.001) at 0 minutes (i.e. no time lag). A pulse of testosterone followed on average 60 minutes after a pulse of LH (r = 0.26; P = 0.001). Fourier transformation: Spectral analysis showed the dominant period for LH and FSH pulsatility to be 200 minutes. The dominant period for testosterone pulsatility was 400 minutes. The effect of endogenous variations in serum testosterone concentrations: The LH profiles were divided into periods when the serum testosterone concentration was high or low, and Fourier transformation carried out on these shorter periods. These transforms showed that the dominant period during high serum testosterone concentration was 180 minutes, and during low serum testosterone was 120 minutes (P < or = 0.025).
Conclusions:
FSH and LH are co-secreted, and a pulse of testosterone follows a pulse of LH by 60 minutes. The physiological changes in serum testosterone concentration that occur during the day result in changes in the pulse frequency of LH. Testosterone concentrations thus have rapidly acting feedback activity at hypothalamic level.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
01:19Regulation of Hormone Secretion
Humoral stimuli,...
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
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.
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
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...
01:22Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
01:20Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...