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Does human chorionic gonadotropin have human thyrotropic activity in vivo?

R A Foulk¹, T J Musci, E D Schriock

¹Reproductive Endocrinology Center, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0556, USA.

Gynecological Endocrinology : the Official Journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology

|June 1, 1997

Summary

Endogenous human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during pregnancy stimulates thyroid function. However, exogenous hCG used in ovarian hyperstimulation does not impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis.

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Area of Science:

Reproductive Endocrinology
Thyroid Physiology

Background:

Thyroid cells exhibit sensitivity to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
Thyroid hormones play a role in reproductive functions, including ovarian and endometrial physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the in vivo effects of endogenous and exogenous hCG on thyroid function.
To differentiate the impact of hCG during normal pregnancy versus controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH).

Main Methods:

Correlational analysis of circulating hCG with serum free thyroxine and thyrotropin levels in pregnant women.
Assessment of thyroid function (free thyroxine and thyrotropin) in non-pregnant patients undergoing COH with exogenous hCG administration.

Main Results:

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In normal pregnancy, endogenous hCG concentrations positively correlated with free thyroxine and negatively with thyrotropin.

Exogenous hCG administration during COH resulted in lower hCG levels than pregnancy and did not alter thyroid function parameters.

p-values for COH group were > 0.22, indicating no statistically significant effect.

Conclusions:

Endogenous hCG isoforms during early pregnancy possess in vivo thyrotropic activity.
Exogenous hCG, under clinical COH conditions for assisted reproduction, does not influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis.