Luteinising Hormone (LH)
Luteinising Hormone (LH) is a glycoprotein gonadotropin hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland (an endocrine gland in the human body). It is released by the anterior pituitary in hourly pulses called "circhoral oscillations".
Luteinising 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 luteinising hormone are slightly different in men and women:
The actions of luteinising hormone in men include:
- Stimulating testosterone production from the interstitial cells of the testes (Leydig cells);
- Luteinising hormone (and also follicle stimulating hormone) are essential for the maturation of spermatoza - i.e. mature male sex cells.
The actions of luteinising hormone in women include:
- Stimulating oestrogen and progesterone production from the ovary: A surge of luteinising hormone midway through the menstrual cycle leads to ovulation. Continued secretion of luteinising hormone stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone.
- In conjunction with follicle stimulating hormone, controlling the secretion of oestrogen from ovarian follicles.
See also: What is a Hormone ?
For further general information including the locations of the endocrine glands, see the Endocrine Glands of the Human Body.
- Introduction to the Endocrine System
- What is a hormone ?
- Water Soluble Hormones vs Fat Soluble Hormones
- Triggers for Hormone Release
- Hormone Regulation Feedback Mechanism
- Major Glands of the Endocrine System
- The Pituitary Gland
- The Adrenal Glands
- Non-endocrine tissues that release hormones
- Conditions of the Endocrine System
- Diabetes
