Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a glycoprotein gonadotropin produced and released by the anterior pituitary gland, stimulated by pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. Structurally analogous to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), LH comprises α and β subunits and is pivotal in regulating reproductive function, ovulation, and sex steroid production.
Physiological Roles
In Females: LH primarily targets theca cells in the ovaries to stimulate androgen synthesis, which serves as a substrate for estrogen production. It also induces the mid-cycle LH surge, triggering ovulation, corpus luteum formation, and subsequent progesterone secretion to support endometrial preparation for implantation.
In Males: LH binds to Leydig cells in the testes, promoting Testosterone biosynthesis and secretion, which is crucial for spermatogenesis, secondary sexual characteristics, and libido maintenance.
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