Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone

Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH), also known as Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), is a peptide hormone responsible for the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the anterior pituitary gland.

Function

LHRH is secreted in the hypothalamus and travels to the anterior pituitary gland through the hypophyseal portal system. It stimulates the synthesis and secretion of LH and FSH, which are essential for reproduction.

LH and FSH stimulate the gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females) to produce sex steroids. In males, LH stimulates the production of testosterone. In females, LH triggers ovulation and stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone.

Regulation

The secretion of LHRH is regulated by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. It is also influenced by external factors such as stress, nutrition, and exercise.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in LHRH secretion can lead to reproductive disorders. For example, a deficiency in LHRH can result in hypogonadism, a condition characterized by low levels of sex steroids.

LHRH analogs are used in the treatment of various conditions, including prostate cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, and precocious puberty.

See also

• Luteinizing hormone
• Follicle-stimulating hormone
• Hypothalamus
• Anterior pituitary

Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone Resources
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