The Role of Gonadotropin Release Hormone and Treatment of Related Conditions

Abstract

There are numerous pathologies and abnormalities that relate to the function of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. Some of these conditions can be treated by modulation of the gonadotrophin-release hormone (GnRH) activity. This hormone is released by specialized neurons within the hypothalamus, and it acts on gonadotroph cells within the anterior pituitary. This hormone binds g-protein-coupled protein receptors on the surface of the cell membrane, and activation results in the secretion of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). These pituitary hormones can stimulate the synthesis and secretion of sex steroids. By understanding the GnRH function, it becomes possible to treat the conditions such as hormonal cancers that are sensitive to sex steroids, precocious puberty, gender dysphoria, and infertility. Drugs that are utilized in these treatments include agonists and antagonists of the GnRH receptors. Agonists activate the receptors, but they are utilized in a continuous method to desensitize the gonadotrophs. Antagonists block the action of GnRH on the receptors of these cells. These drugs decrease the secretion of FSH and LH to regulate sex steroids which antagonize the conditions mentioned previously.