The luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone pulse generator in men: abnormalities and clinical management.
Most men with hypogonadotropic eunuchoidism have absent luteinizing hormone and presumably absent luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone pulses. Pulsatile luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone therapy is effective in restoring normal gonadotropin secretion and testicular function and inducing fertility in men with hypogonadotropic eunuchoidism. Furthermore, pulsatile (versus continuous) luteinizing hormone-releasing stimulation of the pituitary gland is an absolute requirement for normal gonadotropin secretion. Men with idiopathic oligoazoospermia and selective elevation of follicle-stimulating hormone levels have slow luteinizing hormone and presumably luteinizing hormone-releasing pulse frequency. In these men, pulsatile luteinizing hormone--releasing treatment is effective in decreasing serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels, but it is unclear whether spermatogenesis and fertility are improved.
Matsumoto
A M
AM
Gerontology Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Medical Center, GRECC, Seattle, WA 98108.
Gross
K M
KM
Sheckter
C B
CB
Bremner
W J
WJ
D005058:Eunuchism / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone