noun, plural: luteininzing hormones
Gonadotropic cells are endocrine cells located in the anterior pituitary gland. These cells synthesize gonadotropins, which are glycoprotein polypeptide hormones, such as mammalian follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a small glycoprotein hormone made up of alpha subunit (comprised of 92 amino acids in humans whereas 96 amino acids in other vertebrates) and beta subunit (comprised of 120 amino acids). The gene coding for the alpha subunit is on chromosome 6q12.21. The gene for beta subunit is on chromosome 19q13.32.
An acute rise in LH triggers ovulation, i.e. the release of ovum from the follicle. Apart from ovulation, it can also trigger the conversion of the residual follicle into a corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is essential since it produces progesterone, which is important in preparing the endometrium for a possible implantation.
In males, LH stimulates the interstitial cells of the testis to produce testosterone.
Abbreviation / Acronym: LH
- interstitial cell-stimulating hormone