Skip to main content
PepStack
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 reproductive functions in both males and females. Researchers primarily study LH to understand its effects on follicular development, steroidogenesis, and its potential roles beyond the reproductive system, including its influence on cognitive functions in the aging brain. Key findings indicate that recombinant forms of LH, such as lutropin alfa, can significantly enhance optimal follicular development in women with specific hormonal deficiencies, while fluctuations in LH levels have been linked to cognitive plasticity and neurodegenerative diseases. Current research continues to explore the diverse physiological roles of LH, particularly its signaling pathways in the central nervous system and its implications for reproductive health and aging. Clinical evidence indicates that understanding LH's multifaceted functions could lead to advancements in reproductive therapies and insights into age-related cognitive decline.

Overview

Übersicht

Luteinizing Hormone (LH), also known as lutropin or Luveris, is an endogenous glycoprotein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It belongs to the category of pituitary and trophic hormones and is structurally a heterodimer composed of an alpha and a beta subunit, with the beta subunit conferring its biological specificity. Synthetic forms, such as lutropin alfa, have been developed for clinical use. LH plays a crucial role in regulating the reproductive system, primarily by stimulating steroidogenesis and gametogenesis in the gonads. Researchers have observed that LH is involved in follicular development in females and testosterone production in males. Additionally, emerging research suggests that LH may have extra-gonadal roles, particularly within the central nervous system (CNS), influencing cognition and plasticity, although the exact mechanisms remain under investigation. The mechanism of action of LH involves binding to specific luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptors (LHCGR) located in Leydig cells in males and interstitial cells in females. This binding activates a cascade of intracellular signaling pathways, primarily through the cAMP pathway, leading to steroid hormone production. Pharmacokinetic properties of LH vary; endogenous LH has a pulsatile release pattern, while recombinant forms like lutropin alfa are administered subcutaneously. Clinical use of LH, particularly lutropin alfa, includes treatment of infertility in women with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. It is generally well-tolerated, with mild to moderate adverse events. Regulatory standing varies by region, with approval for specific indications in reproductive medicine.

Chemical profile

Chemische Struktur

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

Wirkmechanismus

Luteinizing Hormone acts on luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptors (LHCGR) in the gonads, triggering a signaling cascade via the cAMP pathway. This cascade leads to steroidogenesis and gametogenesis, essential for reproductive function.

Mechanism

Signalweg

Luteinizing hormone (LH) primarily exerts its effects by binding to luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptors (LHCGR) on gonadal cells, leading to activation of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, which stimulates steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. This signaling cascade promotes the production of sex steroids such as testosterone and estrogen, essential for reproductive function. While LH's role in the reproductive system is well characterized, its mechanisms of action in the central nervous system and their implications for cognition and plasticity remain poorly understood.

Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics

ENEndogenous

Pulsatile, varies by time of day

SCSubcutaneous

Data limited

Endogenous LH has a variable half-life due to its pulsatile secretion pattern. Recombinant forms like lutropin alfa are administered subcutaneously.

Storage

Temperature

Refrigerate at 2-8C

Light

Protect from light

Form

Aqueous solution: use within specified period after reconstitution

Notes

Ensure proper storage to maintain stability and efficacy.

Solubility

Löslichkeit

Luteinizing Hormone is generally formulated in aqueous solutions for clinical use.

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Verschreibungspflichtig (prescription only).

🇺🇸US

FDA approved for specific reproductive indications; prescription required.

🇦🇺AU

TGA Schedule 4 (prescription only medicine).

🇬🇧UK

Prescription only medicine (POM) under 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 mechanisms underlying luteinizing hormone (LH) action within the central nervous system (CNS) and its influence on cognition and plasticity, particularly in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Further research is needed to clarify these mechanisms through larger longitudinal studies that explore LH's role in various populations, including those with age-related cognitive decline. Additionally, the characterization of LH isoforms in different physiological states in humans, as seen in ruminants, remains underexplored, necessitating studies that investigate the functional implications of LH isoform diversity in human reproductive health.

51 Research Publications

694

Total Citations

4

Human/RCT

2.0

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

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

ReviewInfluence5.0
136
Researchers observed that luteinizing hormone works synergistically with follicle-stimulating hormone to regulate normal follicular growth and ovulation in assisted reproductive technology.
#02

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

AnimalInfluence1.0
65
Researchers observed that untreated streptozotocin-diabetic rats exhibit an absent or delayed preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge, which can be restored with insulin treatment.
#03

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

Case ReportInfluence2.0
49
Researchers observed a significant association between polymorphisms in the LHβ and LHR genes and the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome in women, with elevated LH levels found in the majority of affected patients.
#04

Endotoxin inhibition of luteinizing hormone in sheep.

AnimalInfluence1.0
44
Researchers observed that endotoxin administration suppresses circulating concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and LH pulse frequency in castrated male sheep.
#05

A receptor binding site identified in the region 81-95 of the beta-subunit of human luteinizing hormone (LH) and chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

In Vitro
42
Researchers observed that a peptide from the beta-subunit of LH effectively inhibits LH/hCG binding, identifying a novel receptor binding site.
#06

Adverse effects of luteinizing hormone on fertility: fact or fantasy.

Review
40
Researchers observed that high luteinizing hormone levels during the follicular phase are associated with decreased reproductive function and increased rates of fertilization failure and miscarriage.
#07

Cyclic AMP stimulates luteinizing-hormone (lutropin) exocytosis in permeabilized sheep anterior-pituitary cells. Synergism with protein kinase C and calcium.

In Vitro
39
The study demonstrated that cyclic AMP stimulates LH exocytosis in sheep anterior-pituitary cells, with a synergistic effect observed when combined with protein kinase C activation.
#08

Release of immunoreactive luteinizing hormone (LH) from rat hypothalamus-pars tuberalis explants.

Animal
37
The study demonstrated that high potassium concentration in the presence of calcium induces LH release from rat hypothalamic explants, suggesting a specific source of LH in the pars tuberalis.
#09

Recombinant human luteinizing hormone, lutropin alfa, for the induction of follicular development and pregnancy in profoundly gonadotrophin-deficient women.

HumanInfluence3.0
37
The study demonstrated that coadministration of lutropin alfa and follitropin alfa is effective in inducing follicular development and pregnancy in profoundly gonadotrophin-deficient women.
#10

'Spare' Luteinizing Hormone Receptors: Facts and Fiction.

Casarini Livio, et al. · Trends in endocrinology and metabolism: TEM · 2018

Review
34
The study demonstrated that the concept of 'spare' luteinizing hormone receptors may need revision based on new findings regarding receptor occupancy and signaling in human ovarian physiology.

Key findings

  1. 01Maximal activation of LH receptors may occur at less than 1% occupancy.
  2. 02Recent studies show differences in receptor behavior between humans and rodents.
  3. 03The concept of 'spare' receptors in human ovarian physiology may need reevaluation.

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

Track your hormone research in PepStack

Log cycles, set reminders and visualize serum levels.

Legal Disclaimer

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