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Analysis of the radioimmunoassay for gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): studies on the effect of radioiodinated GnRH.

When GnRH is radioiodinated by the chloramine-T method, two immunoreactive labeled species are formed at pH 6.5 with a chloramine-T: GnRH molar ratio of 11:1, whereas four bands (I, IIa, IIb, and III) are separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis when the hormone is iodinated at pH 7.5 in a system containing a 97:1 molar ratio of chloramine-T:GnRH. Because they were more stable and were more immunoreactive than the other products, band I and band IIa from the latter system were used separately as tracers with Niswender antiserum R-42 in radioimmunoassays for GnRH. The standard curves of each tracer are distinct: when analyzed after log-logit transformation, the band I curve had a mean slope of -3.31 +/- 0.2 (SE) and a 50% B/Bt level of 9 +/- 0.8 pg (n=8) of synthetic GnRH, whereas the band IIa standard curve had a slope of -2.30 +/- 0.6 and a 50% B/Bt value of 20 +/- 0.9 pg (n=11). The sensitivity of both assays is approximately 2.0 pg. Gn RH concentrations in plasma and serum samples assayed with band I were consistently greater than those assayed with band IIa. Normal adult male plasmas assayed with band I measured 21 +/- 0.9 pg/ml, whereas band IIa values were 8 +/- 0.4 pg/ml. No difference between plasma and serum was detected, nor was there any difference among adult men, adult women, prepubertal children, hypogonadal patients, or hypopituitary patients with either assay. Plasma GnRH concentrations were also similar in jugular and vena cava samples from intact and castrated male rats. Because many of the samples were at or below the sensitivity of the band IIa assay, they were concentrated after extraction with either methanol or acid-ethanol. However, endogenous immunoreactive GnRH could not be concentrated by these extraction procedures. As measured in the band IIa assay, hypothalamic extracts from control adult male rats contained 3.1 +/- 0.4 ng while hypothalami from castrated rats contained 1.4 +/- 0.1 ng. Similar but slightly lower values were obtained with band I. In contrast, the GnRH content of pineal glands from intact and castrated male rats was similar (approximately 150 pg) when determined in either assay. These studies emphasize that: 1) the characteristics of the radioiodinated hormone can influence the quantitation of GnRH; and 2) endogenous plasma concentrations of GnRH are much lower than previously reported.

Animals

Testicular function after orchiopexy for unilaterally undescended testis.

Testicular function was determined in 29 men, 21 to 35 years old, who had undergone orchiopexy for unilaterally undescended testis at four to 12 years of age. Serum testosterone and dialyzable testosterone concentrations of these men were not significantly different from those of a control group of 30 normal men, and their basal serum luteinizing hormone concentrations and serum luteinizing hormone responses to synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone were only slightly higher than those of the normal men. The mean sperm density of the patients, however, was only one third of that of the normal men (p less than 0.001). The mean serum follicle stimulating hormone response ro gonadotropin-releasing hormone of the patients was doubled that of the normal men (p less than 0.001). The data indicate that spermatogenesis may be abnormal after orchipexy, and suggest that men with unilaterally undescended testis may have bilateral testicular abnormality.

Adult

Nongenomic Stimulatory Effect of T3 on Calcium Dynamics in GnRH Neurons via Integrin αVβ3.

Many clinical studies have identified correlations between thyroid dysfunction and reproductive issues, yet the underlying mechanisms behind this interaction remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of triiodothyronine (T3) on the activity of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, a key regulator of the central reproductive axis. Dual labeling confirmed that GnRH neurons express thyroid receptor (TR)α and integrin αVβ3 receptors mediating genomic and nongenomic effects of thyroid hormones, respectively. Using calcium imaging in an ex vivo model, we show that T3 induces a rapid and sustained increase of calcium oscillation frequency in GnRH neurons. No change in response was detected after application of T4. The T3 stimulatory effect was not inhibited by a TR-specific antagonist (1-850) but was mimicked by membrane-impermeable T3-BSA, indicating a mechanism independent of nuclear TR signaling. In contrast, the blockade of membrane αVβ3 integrins (with cilengitide) prevented the T3-induced increase in GnRH neurons calcium peak oscillation frequency. Further investigation using modulators of intracellular calcium and calcium entry revealed that binding to αVβ3 integrin can induce distinct calcium responses depending on the ligand, with T3 triggering a complex response involving multiple channels and calcium sources, possibly with compensatory mechanisms. In sum, these results demonstrate for the first time a direct effect of thyroid hormones on GnRH neuronal activity, with T3 stimulating calcium oscillations through the nongenomic αVβ3 integrin pathway. Understanding this thyroid-reproductive axis interaction will help clarify the mechanisms linking thyroid dysfunction to reproductive disorders and pave the way for targeted therapeutic interventions.

Animals

De novo rare EMX2 variants lead to idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

PURPOSE: The genetic etiology of infertility remains unknown. To identify genes for human infertility, we applied a de novo variant analysis in 142 parent-proband trios with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH), an infertility disorder caused by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency. METHODS: Rare de novo copy-number and single-nucleotide variants (CNVs and SNVs) were called from exome sequencing data of the IHH trios. An association study of common EMX2 variants and disease outcomes was performed in the Massachusetts General Brigham Biobank (N = 65,253). GnRH neuronal development and migration was studied in organotypic explants with knocked down of Emx2 and in a mouse model lacking Emx2. RESULTS: We identified that the gene EMX2 harbored both rare de novo CNVs and SNVs. Rare de novo EMX2 variants led to IHH, developmental delay, and hearing loss. Common EMX2 variants were linked to infertility, Parkinson disease, and hearing loss. Knockdown of Emx2 in nasal explants resulted in attenuated GnRH cell migration and GnRH cells were confined to nasal regions of Emx2 knockout (KO) mice, consistent with IHH pathogenesis. CONCLUSION: By utilizing a de novo variant analysis and cellular assays, EMX2 was uncovered as a gene for human infertility.

Humans

Generation of germline-transmitting transgenic sheep by piggyBac-mediated transgenesis using pronuclear and cytoplasmic gene injection approaches.

Sheep represent an important large-animal model for biomedical research and biopharmaceutical production. Although the piggyBac transposon system offers efficient and stable genomic integration, the optimal gene delivery strategy for ovine embryos remains unclear. This study evaluated piggyBac-mediated transgenesis using pronuclear injection (PNI) in both in vivo- and in vitro-derived embryos and assessed cytoplasmic injection (CTI) as an alternative approach. In vivo-derived embryos were obtained from superovulated Kıvırcık ewes approximately 40 h after gonadotropin-releasing hormone administration, whereas in vitro-derived embryos were produced from slaughterhouse-derived oocytes. All embryos were injected with the hyperactive piggyBac transposase-based pmhyGENIE-3 construct (10 ng/µL). In vivo-derived embryos were transferred immediately after injection, whereas in vitro-derived embryos were cultured for 3 days and screened for EGFP expression prior to transfer. Among 65 in vitro-derived embryos injected by PNI, no transgenic offspring was obtained. In contrast, PNI of 19 in vivo-derived embryos resulted in one transgenic lamb (5.3%). CTI of 12 in vivo-derived embryos similarly produced one transgenic lamb (8.3%). Whole-genome sequencing of the healthy founder male produced by CTI identified a single detectable genomic integration locus on chromosome 10 within a non-coding RNA locus (LOC121820439). Germline transmission was confirmed by in vitro fertilization using sperm from the founder male, with EGFP expression detected in 10.1% (10/99) resulting embryos. These findings provide proof-of-concept evidence for piggyBac-mediated transgenesis in sheep and support the feasibility of cytoplasmic injection as an alternative gene-delivery approach under the conditions tested.

Animals

Polycystic ovary syndrome and idiopathic central precocious puberty: two sides of the same coin?

PURPOSE: Several studies have reported an association between central precocious puberty (CPP) and a higher prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), raising the hypothesis that CPP may act as an early-life indicator of increased PCOS risk. This review investigates the shared genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors potentially underlying CPP and PCOS, with the aim of clarifying their connection and supporting advances in early detection and management. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE database, prioritizing research from the past two decades, supplemented by key studies from earlier years. This research included studies on genetic and epigenetic factors, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and metabolic influences related to CPP and PCOS. Both original research and review articles were selected, focusing on the identification of pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors linking these disorders. RESULTS: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have linked genetic variants in the kisspeptin and neurokinin B signaling pathways to increased gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, triggering early puberty. Moreover, increased GnRH pulsatility contributes to elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, altered LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratios, and ovarian hyperandrogenism—key pathophysiological features of PCOS. Additionally, epigenetic modifications, particularly changes in DNA methylation at CpG sites, have been observed in both CPP and PCOS. A hyperandrogenic intrauterine environment and inadequate fetal growth contribute to prenatal epigenetic alterations, while postnatal factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, and exposure to EDCs further influence epigenetic modifications. Although insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism are central features linking CPP to PCOS, the precise mechanisms underlying these associations remain complex and not yet fully elucidated. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying shared genetic and environmental factors influencing early puberty onset and PCOS highlights the importance of close clinical monitoring in early life, though preventive interventions remain unproven. Further research is needed to clarify these mechanisms, which will support the development of more precise prevention and treatment strategies in clinical practice.

Humans

Ovarian H3K27ac remodeling is associated with impaired follicular development in laying hens with fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome.

Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) is a metabolic disease of laying hens that reduces egg production and is accompanied by reproductive impairment, but the ovarian regulatory mechanisms that connect nutritional stress to follicular dysfunction remain unclear. This study examined whether active chromatin remodeling in the ovary is associated with FLHS induced by a high-energy, low-protein (HELP) diet. Hy-Line Brown hens were assigned to a basal diet or HELP diet, and ovarian tissue was collected for histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing. The HELP diet reduced laying performance and the numbers of small yellow and hierarchical follicles, indicating compromised follicular development. Genome-wide H3K27ac profiling identified 2,111 regions with lower acetylation and 1,707 regions with higher acetylation in FLHS ovaries. Genes linked to differential H3K27ac regions were enriched in pathways related to oocyte meiosis, cell cycle control, FoxO signaling, gonadotropin-releasing hormone signaling, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. RNA sequencing identified 341 differentially expressed genes, with a predominance of downregulated genes. Integration of chromatin and transcriptome data highlighted folliculogenesis-related genes, including FGF1, FGF9, and MMP10, that showed reduced H3K27ac enrichment together with decreased expression. Super-enhancer analysis further identified 131 regions with reduced H3K27ac signal in FLHS ovaries, including regions located near PCNA and RAP1A, two genes involved in cellular proliferation and survival signaling. Motif enrichment of differential H3K27ac regions implicated Fos, SF-1/NR5A1, and GATA-4 as candidate transcriptional regulators. These findings indicate that HELP diet-induced FLHS is associated with broad attenuation of active ovarian regulatory elements and reduced expression of genes required for follicle growth, tissue remodeling, and steroidogenic function. The study provides an ovarian epigenomic framework for understanding reproductive decline in FLHS-affected laying hens.

Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome

Genome-wide association studies for feed efficiency, production and feeding behavior traits in Canadian purebred Duroc pigs.

This study aimed to identify potential genetic variants and candidate genes associated with feed efficiency (FE), production, and feeding behavior traits in Canadian purebred Duroc pigs. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted using 8,861 individuals and an imputed Affymetrix PigGen Canada 50K panel v2.0 using a linear mixed model (LMM) and a Bayesian B model. This analysis used an adjusted P-value threshold (ranging from 6.6 × 10-5 to 1.3 × 10-4) using a false-discovery rate to determine significance. The number of significant SNPs identified for each trait was as follows: average daily gain (ADG, 48), daily feed intake (DFI, 85), feed conversion ratio (FCR, 101), residual feed intake (RFI, 37), residual gain (RG, 64), residual intake and gain (RIG, 55), backfat thickness (BF, 100), loin depth (LD, 6), Kleiber's ratio (KR, 0), total time spent eating per day (TPD, 7), and number of visits to the feeder per day (NVD, 6). Several traits (BF, DFI, FCR, RFI, RG, and RIG) showed strong overlapping signals on chromosomes 7 and 10 with 24 shared significant SNPs, indicating potential shared genetic mechanisms. These traits also had 71 overlapping candidate genes, such as PACSIN1, PTCH1, ADIPOR1, and ITPR3, associated with glucose, lipid, and cholesterol metabolism. Well-known candidate genes in literature associated with growth and fatness such as MC4R and CDH20 were also identified to be associated with ADG, BF, FCR, and DFI in this study. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that a set of the candidate genes were involved in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathways. Overall, this study contributed to understanding the genetic architecture and provided a biological foundation for improving FE, production, and feeding behavior traits in Canadian Duroc pigs, facilitating the selection of more efficient pigs.

Sus scrofa

Pituitary gonadotropin response to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) in males with azo- and oligospermia.

Twenty-one males with azo- or oligospermia presenting with infertility and with no evidence of organic disease were studied with luteinizing hormone - releasing hormone (LH-RH). A pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) response was present in all cases and was normal in the majority of the subjects. Serum testosterone and 17 beta estradiol levels were normal in all cases studied. No significant correlations were found between the gonadotropin estimations and sperm count, basal serum testosterone or testosterone response to human chorionic gonadotropin. It is concluded that LH-RH is of limited diagnostic use in the investigation of this group of patients with male infertility and provides no further insight into the pathogenesis of this condition.

Adult

Structural features of luliberin (luteinising hormone-releasing factor) inferred from fluorescence measurements.

The fluorescence and excitation spectra of luliberin (luteinizing hormone-releasing factor) in 0.005 M aqueous ammonium acetate are identical in shape to those of N-acetyltryptophan amide and are related to the indole side chain of Trp3. The change of fluoresecence intensity of luliberin with pH was measured in the range of pH 4-11. The increase of pH from 4 to 7.5 is followed by about 50% increase in fluorescence intensity due to deprotonation of the imidazolium side chain of His2. The fluorimetric titration curve in this pH region reveals a pK value for His2 of 5.95. Increasing of pH from 8 to 11 results in about 40% quenching of the fluorescence due to electronic energy transfer from the excited indole of Trp3 to the phenolate side chain of Tyr5. The pK value of Tyr5, obtained independently from the fluorimetric and photometric titrations indicate that at pH 7-8 luliberin contains only one charged residue, Arg8, which is in close vicinity to both His2 and Tyr5. The side chains of His2, Tyr5 and Arg8 presumably form a combined unit which may play an active role in the hormone action. Trp3 is at a maximal distance from this unit and may thus act as an independent active unit.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone

Distribution of releasing factors, biogenic amines, and related enzymes in the bovine median eminence.

The bovine median eminence was dissected into eight different subdivisions: rostral, anterior internal, anterior external, middle external medial, middle external lateral, middle internal medial, middle internal lateral, and caudal. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) was found in the highest concentrations in the middle external medial and lateral subdivisions; luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) was concentrated in the middle external lateral and anterior internal subdivisions. Among the various neurotransmitters and enzymes assayed, only dopamine and choline acetyltransferase were present in highest concentrations in the same subdivisions of the bovine median eminence found to be rich in TRH and LHRH. The distributions of norepinephrine, dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, serotonin, tryptophan hydroxylase, phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase, glutamic acid decarboxylase, and histamine appeared to correlate poorly with the major distributions of TRH and LHRH. These findings suggest that at the level of the median eminence, central neuroendocrine regulation of TRH and LHRH release may involve an interaction only with dopamine and acetylcholine.

Animals