LH · Lutropin · Luveris
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland, playing a crucial role in regulating the reproductive system in both males and females. Researchers primarily study LH for its involvement in follicular development, ovulation, and its potential effects on cognitive function and neurodegenerative diseases. Key findings indicate that recombinant forms of LH, such as lutropin alfa, significantly enhance optimal follicular development in women with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, while other studies suggest a link between LH levels and cognitive decline in aging populations. Current research is focused on elucidating the mechanisms of LH action in the central nervous system and its differential effects compared to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), highlighting its clinical relevance in reproductive health and neurobiology.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH), also known as lutropin or Luveris, is an endogenous glycoprotein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It belongs to the class of pituitary and trophic hormones. LH is synthesized by gonadotropic cells and plays a crucial role in regulating the reproductive system. In addition to its natural form, a recombinant version known as lutropin alfa has been developed for clinical use. Researchers have found that LH is primarily involved in stimulating the gonads, promoting ovulation in females and testosterone production in males. It is also being studied for its roles in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly concerning cognition and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The hormone acts through the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), which is expressed in various tissues, including the brain. Upon binding to its receptor, LH activates signaling pathways that influence steroidogenesis and other cellular functions. Pharmacokinetic studies indicate that LH has a pulsatile release pattern, with a circulating half-life of approximately 20 minutes. Recombinant forms like lutropin alfa are administered subcutaneously and have been shown to be well-tolerated in clinical settings. Clinically, LH and its recombinant forms are used in assisted reproductive technologies to stimulate follicular development. In the United States, lutropin alfa is FDA-approved for specific indications related to fertility treatment. Researchers have observed that LH's regulatory standing varies across regions, with prescription requirements in place in many countries.
| Formel | C12H20N4O3 |
| Molekulargewicht | 268.31g/mol |
| PubChem CID | 341684 |
Luteinizing Hormone acts primarily on the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), which is a G protein-coupled receptor. Upon binding, it triggers a cascade involving the activation of adenylate cyclase, leading to increased cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels and subsequent activation of protein kinase A (PKA), which in turn stimulates steroidogenesis and other cellular responses.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) primarily exerts its effects through the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), activating the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, which stimulates steroidogenesis in gonadal tissues and promotes follicular development. Additionally, LH has emerging roles in the central nervous system, where it may influence cognitive functions and neuroplasticity, although the precise mechanisms and pathways involved in these extra-gonadal actions remain poorly understood. The concept of "spare" LHCGRs suggests that maximal signaling can occur with less than full receptor occupancy, indicating a complex interplay in receptor dynamics and downstream effects.
Circulating half-life ~20 minutes
Data limited
Poor bioavailability due to first-pass
Endogenous LH is released in a pulsatile manner; recombinant forms like lutropin alfa are administered subcutaneously.
Temperature
Refrigerate at 2-8C
Light
Protect from light
Form
Aqueous solution: use within specified period after reconstitution
Notes
Ensure proper storage conditions to maintain stability and efficacy.
Luteinizing Hormone is soluble in aqueous solutions, facilitating its formulation for injection.
🇩🇪DE
Verschreibungspflichtig; not a controlled substance under BtMG.
🇺🇸US
FDA-approved for specific fertility treatments; prescription required.
🇦🇺AU
TGA Schedule 4; prescription only.
🇬🇧UK
Prescription only medicine (POM); regulated by MHRA.
Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.
Current evidence is limited regarding the specific mechanisms through which luteinizing hormone (LH) influences cognitive function and plasticity in the aging brain, particularly in relation to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Further research is needed to clarify the direct actions of LH on neurons and glial cells, as well as to resolve conflicting findings about its role in cognitive decline. Additionally, larger randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are necessary to explore the differential effects of LH and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on downstream signaling pathways and their clinical implications in various populations, including older adults and those with specific reproductive disorders.
3,451
Total Citations
25
Human/RCT
2.3
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
Researchers observed that specific residues in the beta-subunit of luteinizing hormone determine its binding specificity to receptors, elucidating co-evolution of ligand-receptor pairs.
Researchers observed that luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone have distinct oligosaccharide structures that may influence their secretion and biological activity in various animal species.
Choi Janet & Smitz Johan · Molecular and cellular endocrinology · 2014
The study demonstrated that luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin, while similar, have distinct effects on downstream signaling, which could impact clinical applications.
Key findings
The study demonstrated that the luteinizing hormone receptor couples to both Gs and Gi proteins, contributing to the activation of adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C.
Researchers observed that the groove between the alpha- and beta-subunits of luteinizing hormone changes conformation during receptor binding, indicating specific interactions crucial for hormone activity.
Researchers observed that maintaining optimal luteinizing hormone levels is crucial for oocyte quality and embryonic development in assisted reproductive technology.
Researchers observed that lutropin/choriogonadotropin down-regulates its receptor primarily through receptor-mediated endocytosis rather than changes in receptor mRNA levels.
Researchers observed that melatonin significantly inhibits the neonatal rat pituitary's response to luteinizing hormone-releasing factor, reducing LH release.
Researchers observed that the addition of recombinant luteinizing hormone to a controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocol did not shorten the time to ovulation induction but resulted in higher estradiol and LH levels.
The study demonstrated that untreated streptozotocin-diabetic rats exhibit an absent or delayed preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge, which is restored with insulin treatment.
54
Total Trials
27,330
Total Enrolled
IVFarma LLC
5,484
2020
Number of Oocytes Retrieved
University of Turin, Italy
848
2010
Pregnancy rate per embryo transfer (PR/ET)
Ipsen
510
2017
Percentage of patients for whom the initial LHRH prescription (the prescription at the baseline visit) has been renewed at first follow-up visit (same type, same formulation).
Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital
240
2015
Median PSA progression-free survival in patients responding to the study treatments
Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital
120
2015
Median biochemical progression-free survival
Hospital Clinic of Barcelona
104
2011
ovarian response
US Department of Veterans Affairs
100
2001
Ibn Sina Hospital
56
2019
Live Birth after first Vitrified-warmed cycle
Universitat Jaume I
41
2022
Change in 17β-oestradiol concentration (in pg/mL)
Maastricht University Medical Center
25
2007
Estradiol response
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)
1987
Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital
137
2009
Pregnancy Rate
Regionshospitalet Viborg, Skive
100
2009
The Oestradiol Concentration on the Day of Ovulation Induction
Royan Institute
90
2012
number of follicles
Rabin Medical Center
80
2015
Change in Reactive Hyperemia Index from baseline to twelve months
University of Saskatchewan
80
2007
number of follicles greater than or equal to 15 mm on day of hCG
Assuta Hospital Systems
50
2010
The primary endpoint will be the proportion of patients who, after receiving Cetrotide after 4 or 5 days of Gonal -F stimulation, are severely down-regulated.
D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology
32
2017
Number of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs)
University Reproductive Associates
14
2009
The Primary Outcome Will be Number of Large Follicles (16 mm or Greater in Diameter) and Midsize Follicles (Greater Than 12mm But Less Than 16mm) in Both Groups on the Day of Meeting Size Criteria for hCG.
Hoffmann-La Roche
4,170
2021
Invasive Disease-Free Survival (IDFS), Excluding Second Primary Non-Breast Cancers
Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
2,590
2011
Percentage of Participants Alive (Overall Survival)
Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
1,792
2008
Percentage of Participants Free From Progression (FFP) at 5 Years
Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
1,579
2000
Disease-specific Survival (DSS) (10-year Rates Reported)
Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
1,538
2009
Percentage of Participants Alive (Overall Survival)
University of Sydney
1,100
2020
Metastasis-free survival
Hoffmann-La Roche
1,050
2023
Progression-Free Survival (PFS) in the ESR1 mutation (ESR1m) Subgroup
Hoffmann-La Roche
992
2020
Progression-Free Survival (PFS), as Determined by the Investigator According to RECIST v1.1
Hoffmann-La Roche
922
2022
Progression-Free Survival, as Determined by the Investigator According to RECIST v1.1
Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, IVI VALENCIA
720
2005
Implantation rate
UNICANCER
490
2020
Progression-free survival (PFS)
AstraZeneca
315
2021
Progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by the Investigator as defined by response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST version 1.1)
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
174
2012
Total Number of Oocytes Retrieved Per Subject Following Ovarian Stimulation
Ellen Greenblatt
140
2024
Total number of mature (MII) oocytes available for cryopreservation
Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, IVI Alicante
88
2019
number of oocytes retrieved
EMD Serono
55
2004
Mean Number of Metaphase II Oocytes Per Participant Who Underwent Ovum Pick up for Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
12
2020
Metastasis Free Survival
Proton Collaborative Group
2
2012
Phase 2 - Assessment of Number of Freedom From Failure Events in the Chemotherapy Arm
Hoffmann-La Roche
303
2020
Progression-Free Survival (PFS), as Determined by the Investigator According to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, Version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1)
Spanish Breast Cancer Research Group
200
2020
Residual Cancer Burden (RCB) 0-I Rate
Peking University Third Hospital
150
2009
Number of oocyte retrieved
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
93
2007
Number of Oocytes Retrieved
Cougar Biotechnology, Inc.
66
2009
Number of Participants With a Pathology Tumor Stage of Less Than or Equal to Prostate Cancer Stage at Which the Tumor is Confined to the Prostate (pT2)
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
60
2026
Percent of subjects free of Clinical or radiographic free progression
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
50
2025
Clinical/radiographic progression free survival (PFS) with BATZEN
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute
32
2022
Overall Survival
University of Washington
32
2002
Duration of the First "Off-treatment" Cycle in Patients Who Have Completed One Cycle of Intermittent Androgen Suppression With the Addition of Exisulind.
Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena
32
2022
Testosterone
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute
25
2025
Castration Sensitivity Rate
London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
19
2011
Toxicity
Genentech, Inc.
152
2014
Phase Ia: Maximum Tolerated Dose of GDC-0810 When Used as a Single Agent
Genentech, Inc.
181
2017
Number of Participants with Adverse Events by Severity, According to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 (NCI-CTCAE v4.0)
Peter y. Liu
80
2017
Average Blood Cortisol Concentration
Eli Lilly and Company
10
2024
Number of Participants with One or More Serious Adverse Event(s) (SAEs) Considered by the Investigator to be Related to Study Drug Administration
Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
5
2020
Average Blood Cortisol Concentration
Log cycles, set reminders and visualize serum levels.
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