Glycoprotein hormone | |||||||||
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Identifiers | |||||||||
Symbol | Hormone_6 | ||||||||
Pfam | PF00236 | ||||||||
InterPro | IPR000476 | ||||||||
PROSITE | PDOC00623 | ||||||||
SCOP2 | 1hcn / SCOPe / SUPFAM | ||||||||
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Gonadotropins are glycoprotein hormones secreted by gonadotropic cells of the anterior pituitary of vertebrates.[1][2][3] This family includes the mammalian hormones follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), the placental/chorionic gonadotropins, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG),[3] as well as at least two forms of fish gonadotropins. These hormones are central to the complex endocrine system that regulates normal growth, sexual development, and reproductive function.[4] LH and FSH are secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, while hCG and eCG are secreted by the placenta in pregnant women and mares, respectively.[5] The gonadotropins act on the gonads, controlling gamete and sex hormone production.
Gonadotropin is sometimes abbreviated Gn. The alternative spelling gonadotrophin which inaccurately implies a nourishing mechanism[6] is also used.
There are various preparations of gonadotropins for therapeutic use, mainly as fertility medication. There are also fad diet or quack preparations, which are illegal in various countries.