title: Changes in pituitary response to GnRH during the luteal-follicular transition of the human menstrual cycle.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We studied changes in pituitary response to GnRH during the luteal-follicular transition of the human menstrual cycle.
  
  
  METHODS
  Normally cycling women were investigated during two consecutive menstrual cycles. In each woman, GnRH tests were performed during the two LH surges and several times during the luteal-follicular transition. Data for analysis were available in all women on days -8, -6, -4, -2, -1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 in relation to the onset of second menstruation (day 1).
  
  
  METHODS
  Five normally ovulating parous women were studied.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pituitary response to GnRH was calculated as the net increase in LH and FSH at 30 minutes (delta LH and delta FSH) above the basal value.
  
  
  RESULTS
  delta LH and delta FSH showed a similar pattern of significant changes during the luteal-follicular transition. They decreased progressively from days -8 to 1 and increased on day 2. delta LH and delta FSH then decreased on days 3 and 4 and showed a further increase on days 5 and 7. In contrast to these changes, basal FSH levels increased from days -2 to 1 and remained high up to day 5, while basal LH levels showed a trend to increase only after the onset of menses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results demonstrate that the increase in basal FSH secretion during the luteal-follicular transition is GnRH independent. It is suggested that LH and FSH release under the stimulation by GnRH is regulated by a common mechanism.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: I E
authors.initials: IE
authors.lastname: Messinis
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Koutsoyiannis
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Milingos
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tsahalina
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Seferiadis
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lolis
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Templeton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D013007:Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000378:metabolism*; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
chemical_list: D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D013007:Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone