This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Luteinizing hormone in androgen production

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

LH acts on interstitial Leydig cells to increase the flux generating step of cholesterol conversion to pregnenolone and thence testosterone.

LH secretion is dependent upon:

  • GnRH released from the hypothalamus
  • negative feedback from testosterone on:
    • the anterior pituitary gonadodotrophin-synthesizing cells
    • the hypothalamic GnRH-releasing cells

The feedback loops are used therapeutically in advanced androgen-sensitive prostatic carcinoma:

  • GnRH analogues e.g. buserelin:
    • these are given in high dose, eventually resulting in down-regulation of GnRH receptors on pituitary gonadotroph cells
    • LH and FSH secretion is secondarily reduced
    • testosterone secretion is reduced secondary to gonadotroph reduction
  • testosterone antagonists e.g. cyproterone:
    • limits initial stimulation of prostate by GnRH analogues
    • cyproterone also acts centrally to inhibit GnRH secretion

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.