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Hormone · Profile

Luteinizing Hormone

LH · Lutropin · Luveris

Pituitary & Trophic HormonesApproved
MW
268.31g/mol
Formula
C12H20N4O3

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland, playing a crucial role in regulating the reproductive system. Researchers primarily study LH for its involvement in follicular development, ovulation, and its emerging roles in the central nervous system, particularly concerning cognitive function and aging. 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 potential link between LH levels and cognitive decline in aging populations. Current research continues to explore the distinct actions of LH compared to similar hormones, as well as its broader implications in neurodegenerative diseases. Clinical evidence indicates that understanding LH's multifaceted roles may lead to more personalized approaches in reproductive health and neurocognitive disorders.

Overview

Übersicht

Luteinizing Hormone (LH), also known as lutropin, is an endogenous glycoprotein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It belongs to the category of pituitary and trophic hormones and is crucial for normal reproductive function. Synthetic forms, such as lutropin alfa, have been developed for clinical use, particularly in the treatment of fertility disorders. LH is structurally similar to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), sharing a common receptor but differing in their physiological roles and timing of expression. LH plays a central role in regulating the reproductive system by stimulating the production of sex steroids in the gonads. Researchers have observed its involvement in follicular development in females and testosterone production in males. Beyond its reproductive functions, LH has been implicated in cognitive processes and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, through its action in the central nervous system. The mechanism of action for LH involves binding to the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), which activates downstream signaling pathways, including the cAMP pathway, leading to steroidogenesis and other cellular responses. Pharmacokinetic properties of LH vary depending on its form. Endogenous LH has a pulsatile release pattern, while recombinant forms like lutropin alfa have specific half-lives depending on the administration route. Clinically, LH and its analogs are used in assisted reproductive technologies and are generally well-tolerated. Regulatory approval varies by region, with recombinant forms like lutropin alfa approved for specific indications in fertility treatments.

Chemical profile

Chemische Struktur

Chemical structure of Luteinizing Hormone
FormelC12H20N4O3
Molekulargewicht268.31g/mol
PubChem CID341684
Mechanism

Wirkmechanismus

Luteinizing Hormone acts on the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), triggering the cAMP signaling pathway. This cascade results in the production of sex steroids and other cellular responses critical for reproductive function.

Mechanism

Signalweg

Luteinizing hormone (LH) primarily acts through the luteinizing hormone receptor (LHCGR), activating the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, which leads to steroidogenesis and follicular development in the ovaries. Additionally, LH has emerging roles in the central nervous system (CNS), where it may influence cognition and neuronal plasticity, although the precise mechanisms and pathways involved in these CNS actions remain poorly understood. Furthermore, LH and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) exhibit distinct effects on downstream signaling cascades despite sharing the same receptor, indicating a complex interplay in reproductive and neurological functions.

Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics

ENEndogenous

Pulsatile, varies by time of day

SCSubcutaneous

Data limited

POOral

Poor bioavailability due to first-pass

Recombinant forms like lutropin alfa have specific pharmacokinetics; consult specific product information.

Storage

Temperature

Refrigerate at 2-8C

Light

Protect from light

Form

Aqueous solution: use within specified time after opening

Notes

Follow specific product guidelines for storage and handling.

Solubility

Löslichkeit

Luteinizing Hormone is soluble in aqueous solutions, suitable for injection formulations.

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Verschreibungspflichtig (prescription only), not listed under BtMG.

🇺🇸US

FDA approved for specific fertility treatments, prescription required.

🇦🇺AU

TGA Schedule 4 (prescription only medicine).

🇬🇧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.

Open Questions

Offene Forschungsfragen

Current evidence is limited regarding the specific mechanisms by 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 explore the direct actions of LH on neurons and glial cells, as well as to clarify the conflicting theories surrounding LH signaling in the central nervous system. Additionally, larger randomized controlled trials are necessary to investigate the differential effects of LH and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on downstream signaling pathways and their implications for personalized treatment strategies in various clinical contexts, including infertility and aging-related cognitive decline.

60 Research Publications

2,231

Total Citations

5

Human/RCT

3.0

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

Co-evolution of ligand-receptor pairs.

In VitroInfluence11.0
343
Researchers observed that specific residues in the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin enable it to distinguish between luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone receptors, supporting co-evolution of ligand-receptor pairs.
#02

Pituitary glycoprotein hormone oligosaccharides: structure, synthesis and function of the asparagine-linked oligosaccharides on lutropin, follitropin and thyrotropin.

In VitroInfluence14.0
296
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.
#03

Luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin: origins of difference.

Choi Janet & Smitz Johan · Molecular and cellular endocrinology · 2014

ReviewInfluence9.0
165
The study demonstrated that luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin, despite their structural similarities, exhibit distinct effects on downstream signaling pathways, impacting clinical applications in reproductive health.

Key findings

  1. 01LH and hCG have distinct effects on signaling pathways despite binding to the same receptor.
  2. 02Technological advancements have revealed that LH and hCG are not interchangeable.
  3. 03Understanding these differences can improve clinical practices related to reproductive health.
#04

Luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone synergy: A review of role in controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation.

ReviewInfluence5.0
137
Researchers observed that luteinizing hormone plays a complementary role to follicle-stimulating hormone in ovarian stimulation, particularly in patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
#05

The groove between the alpha- and beta-subunits of hormones with lutropin (LH) activity appears to contact the LH receptor, and its conformation is changed during hormone binding.

In Vitro
122
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.
#06

Luteinizing hormone and its dilemma in ovulation induction.

ReviewInfluence2.0
113
Researchers observed that a 'therapeutic window' of luteinizing hormone (LH) is crucial for successful conception in assisted reproductive technology, balancing its role in folliculogenesis and ovulation.
#07

Absent or delayed preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge in experimental diabetes mellitus.

AnimalInfluence1.0
65
The study demonstrated that untreated streptozotocin-diabetic rats exhibit an absent or delayed preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge, which is restored with insulin treatment.
#08

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in human pituitary blood.

Case Report
57
Researchers observed that luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) exhibits pulsatile release in human pituitary blood, suggesting a complex regulatory mechanism.
#09

Possible Relationship between Long-Term Adverse Health Effects of Gonad-Removing Surgical Sterilization and Luteinizing Hormone in Dogs.

ReviewInfluence1.0
53
Researchers observed that spaying and neutering dogs leads to elevated luteinizing hormone levels, which may be linked to long-term health complications in non-reproductive tissues.
#10

Association of Luteinizing hormone and LH receptor gene polymorphism with susceptibility of Polycystic ovary syndrome.

Case ReportInfluence2.0
51
Researchers observed a significant association between luteinizing hormone receptor gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility to polycystic ovary syndrome, indicating potential genetic influences on the condition.

Clinical Trials (8)

Preclinical
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Approved

8

Total Trials

1,703

Total Enrolled

Extra Luteinizing Hormone Improve Embryo Quality in IVF Patients With Low LH During Long GnRH-Agonist Treatment

NCT07128394RECRUITING
Sponsor

Nanjing University

Enrollment

590

Started

2024

Primary outcome

Proportion of cycles with no usable embryos

Infertility, FemaleLuteinizing Hormone (LH)

To Evaluate the Criteria for Renewal of Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) Analogue Treatment in Prostate Cancer Patients

NCT03017313COMPLETED
Sponsor

Ipsen

Enrollment

510

Started

2017

Primary outcome

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).

Prostate Cancer

Synchronization of Follicle Wave Emergence and Ovarian Stimulation

NCT00439829Phase 4COMPLETED
Sponsor

University of Saskatchewan

Enrollment

80

Started

2007

Primary outcome

number of follicles greater than or equal to 15 mm on day of hCG

Infertility

Corifollitropin Alfa Combined With Menotropin Versus Follitropin and Lutropin Alfa in Expected Suboptimal Responders

NCT03177538Phase 4COMPLETED
Sponsor

D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductology

Enrollment

32

Started

2017

Primary outcome

Number of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs)

Infertility, Female

A Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Giredestrant Plus Everolimus Compared With the Physician's Choice of Endocrine Therapy Plus Everolimus in Participants With Estrogen Receptor-Positive, HER2-Negative, Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer (evERA Breast Cancer)

NCT05306340Phase 3ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Sponsor

Genentech, Inc.

Enrollment

373

Started

2022

Primary outcome

Progression-Free Survival, as Determined by the Investigator According to RECIST v1.1, in the ESR1m Subpopulation and ITT Population

Estrogen Receptor (ER)-Positive, HER2-negative, Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer

Lutropin Alfa in Women at Risk of Poor Response

NCT01112358Phase 2COMPLETED
Sponsor

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Enrollment

58

Started

2005

Primary outcome

Number of Oocytes Retrieved

Ovarian Stimulation

The COSMYC Trial (COmbined Suppression of MYC)

NCT06922318Phase 2RECRUITING
Sponsor

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins

Enrollment

50

Started

2025

Primary outcome

Clinical/radiographic progression free survival (PFS) with BATZEN

Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer

Abemaciclib Plus Darolutamide in Prostate Cancer That Has Spread After Initial Treatment

NCT05999968Phase 1COMPLETED
Sponsor

Eli Lilly and Company

Enrollment

10

Started

2024

Primary outcome

Number of Participants with One or More Serious Adverse Event(s) (SAEs) Considered by the Investigator to be Related to Study Drug Administration

Prostatic Neoplasms

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This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Many substances listed may not be approved for human use and may be subject to drug regulation laws (e.g., AMG in Germany, FDA in the US). PepStack does not encourage the use of any substance on humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk. PepStack assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. Full disclaimer