Synthesis and release of gonadotropins and their subunits by long-term organ cultures of human fetal hypophyses.
From weeks 13 to 26 of fetal life human hypophyses disclosed a constant content of radioimmunoassayable FSH. Although present already before this period, LH content increased considerably at week 17, along with the appearance of free beta-LH. In long-term organ culture experiments such early differentiating pituitaries proved to be endowed with autonomous synthesis and release of FSH and of free alpha-subunit, while LH, beta-LH and TSH declined to very low levels within a few weeks. Supplementation of the medium with LH-RH (12 ng/ml) significantly increased FSH synthesis and release but was not sufficient to sustain production of beta-LH and LH. It is suggested that other factors than LH-RH are required for differentiation of beta-LH biosynthesis and thus for production of LH.
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D005865:Gestational Age; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008297:Male; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D013997:Time Factors
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D013972:Thyrotropin