Luteinizing hormone in testicular descent

Jorma Toppari, Marko M Kaleva, Helena E Virtanen, Katharina M Main, Niels E Skakkebaek

33 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

A proper hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis with normal androgen synthesis and action is a prerequisite for normal testicular descent. Various defects in this axis may result in cryptorchidism but endocrine abnormalities are rarely detected. Androgens regulate testicular descent but androgen action alone is not sufficient for normal testicular descent. The regulation of androgen production is influenced both by placental human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH). There is evidence that the longer pregnancy continues, the more important role pituitary LH may have. Insulin-like hormone-3 (INSL3) is suggested to be the main regulator of gubernacular development and therefore an apparent regulator of testicular descent. INSL3 production is also related to LH, and reduced INSL3 action is a possible cause for cryptorchidism. Cryptorchid boys have normal testosterone levels with slightly but significantly elevated LH levels as compared to healthy boys. This high gonadotropin drive may compensate for mild Leydig cell dysfunction in cryptorchidism.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftMolecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Vol/bind269
Udgave nummer1-2
Sider (fra-til)34-7
Antal sider4
ISSN0303-7207
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 15 apr. 2007

Fingeraftryk

Dyk ned i forskningsemnerne om 'Luteinizing hormone in testicular descent'. Sammen danner de et unikt fingeraftryk.

Citationsformater