An antipodean perception of the mode of action of glycoprotein hormones.
Continuance of vertebrate species and maintenance of metabolism have an absolute requirement for the glycoprotein hormones of the anterior pituitary gland. It is now firmly accepted that the N-glycans of these and the related placental hormone, chorionic gonadotropin, have essential if undefined roles in their mechanism of action. However, recent investigations by Weisshaar and his colleagues on the oligosaccharides of human luteinizing hormone and chorionic gonadotropin, do not support the generally accepted view of carbohydrates in hormone-receptor interactions and a further concept is proposed that invokes negative charges and changes in structured water.
Renwick
A
A
Department of Biochemistry, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Wiggins
P
P
D000818:Animals; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000502:physiology; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D014867:Water
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D011134:Polysaccharides; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D014867:Water; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D013972:Thyrotropin