A new function for the LH/CG receptor: transcytosis of hormone across the endothelial barrier in target organs.
Gonadotropins cross the vascular endothelial barrier to reach their target organs. Hormone concentrations in blood are very low and fluctuate rapidly to give sharp biological effects. Nonspecific transendothelial transport mechanisms are slow and markedly concentration dependent. There is thus a need for specific transendothelial transport mechanisms for these hormones. We will describe a specific transcytosis mechanism involving endothelial lutropin/chorionic gonadotropin (LH/CG) receptors identical to those observed in the target Leydig cells. A new role for the LH/CG receptor as a transcytotic carrier of its ligands in endothelial cells is suggested.
Ghinea
N
N
INSERM U-135, Hôpital de Bicêtre, 3e niveau, 78 rue du Général Leclerc, 94275 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
Milgrom
E
E
D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000378:metabolism; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism*; D006728:Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011974:Receptors, LH / Q000502:physiology*; D013737:Testis / Q000098:blood supply
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D006728:Hormones; D011974:Receptors, LH