The luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone pulse generator in men: abnormalities and clinical management

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1990 Nov;163(5 Pt 2):1743-52. doi: 10.1016/0002-9378(90)91439-j.

Abstract

Most men with hypogonadotropic eunuchoidism have absent luteinizing hormone and presumably absent luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone pulses. Pulsatile luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone therapy is effective in restoring normal gonadotropin secretion and testicular function and inducing fertility in men with hypogonadotropic eunuchoidism. Furthermore, pulsatile (versus continuous) luteinizing hormone-releasing stimulation of the pituitary gland is an absolute requirement for normal gonadotropin secretion. Men with idiopathic oligoazoospermia and selective elevation of follicle-stimulating hormone levels have slow luteinizing hormone and presumably luteinizing hormone-releasing pulse frequency. In these men, pulsatile luteinizing hormone--releasing treatment is effective in decreasing serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels, but it is unclear whether spermatogenesis and fertility are improved.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Eunuchism / drug therapy*
  • Eunuchism / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / metabolism
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / administration & dosage
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Male / etiology
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Luteinizing Hormone / metabolism
  • Male
  • Oligospermia / drug therapy*
  • Oligospermia / physiopathology
  • Pregnancy
  • Radioimmunoassay
  • Testosterone / blood

Substances

  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Testosterone
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone