PITUITARY GONADOTROPIN RESPONSE TO LHRH IN HUMAN PREGNANCY

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 52  (2) , 172-175
Abstract
The effect of synthetic LHRH [luteinizing hormone releasing hormone] on serum levels of FSH [follicle stimulating hormone], LH [luteinizing hormone] and hCG [human chorionic gonadotropin] was determined during early and midgestation. Healthy volunteers [8] were studied during the 1st (8-9 wk) and 2nd (15-20 wk) trimesters of pregnancy with 4 patients in each group. Serum samples, obtained before and 15, 30, 45, 90, 120, 150 and 180 min after an i.v. bolus of 100 .mu.g LHRH, were assayed for LH, FSH and hCG by specific radioimmunoassays. Serum levels of estradiol, progesterone and 17.alpha.hydroxyprogesterone were also measured in samples obtained prior to and 3 h after LHRH injection. The serum levels of LH and FSH were undetectable in all samples, and no increase was observed after administration of LHRH. Levels of chorionic gonadotropin, estradiol, progesterone, and 17.alpha.-hydroxyprogesterone did show slight fluctuations, but there was no significant effect from LHRH administration. Pituitary gonadotropic function may be markedly suppressed during early human pregnancy.

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