MOLECULAR BASIS OF INFERTILITY–II: RELATED TO DEFECTIVE BIOSYNTHESIS, SECRETION AND ACTION OF FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE

The anterior pituitary gland of vertebrates synthesizes and secretes three glycoprotein hormones. Two of these i.e. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) are called gonadotropins. They exert diverse and direct effects upon the gonads (Ovary and Testes) including regulation and maintenance of essential reproductive processes such as gametogenesis, steroidogenesis, ovulation, implantation etc. Indirectly, even the third glycoprotein hormone i.e. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) as well as Growth Hormone (GH) and Prolactin (PRL) regulate many gonadal functions.