Luteinizing Hormone
(LH) is a glycoprotein
gonadotropin
hormone secreted
by the anterior pituitary
gland (a
endocrine gland in the human body). It is released
by the anterior pituitary in hourly pulses called "circhoral
oscillations".
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Luteinizing hormone (and
also follicle
stimulating hormone) binds to receptors
in the testes (in males) and the ovaries (in females), and regulates
gonadal function by promoting sex steroid production and "gametogenesis"
- i.e. the processes by which spermatoza and ova are formed.
The roles of luteinizing stimulating
hormone are
slightly different in men and women: |
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The actions of luteinizing stimulating
hormone in men include: |
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Stimulating testosterone production
from the interstitial cells of the testes (Leydig cells);
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Luteinizing hormone (and also follicle stimulating
hormone) are essential for the maturation of spermatoza - i.e.
mature male
sex cells. |
The actions of luteinizing stimulating
hormone in women include:
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Stimulating oestrogen and progesterone production
from the ovary:
A surge of luteinizing hormone midway through the menstrual
cycle leads to ovulation. Continued
secretion of luteinizing hormone stimulates the
corpus luteum to produce progesterone. |
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In conjunction with follicle stimulating hormone, controlling
the secretion of oestrogen from
ovarian follicles. |
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For further general/summary information including the locations of the
endocrine glands, visit the page about Endocrine
Glands of the Human Body.
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