Pulsatile secretion of gonadotropins in early infancy

Abstract

In adults, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are secreted in a pulsaltile manner. Prior to puberty gonadotropin (GN) levels are low and show only small fluctuations. The following investigation was performed to elucidate the type of GN secretion in infants:

LH and FSH were determined every 30 min over a period of 8 h in three different groups: Group 1:2 male and 2 female adults; Group 2:2 male and 2 female prepubertal children; Group 3:3 male and 3 female infants, aged 6–12 weeks.

Group 1 showed a clear pulsatile secretion of LH (4.5–23.5 mIU/ml [range]) and FSH (6.9–16.0 mIU/ml). Group 2 demonstrated a rather constant secretion of LH (<1.5–2.3 mIU/ml) and FSH (1.6–4.9 mIU/ml). Group 3: In male infants pulsatile secretion of LH (3.6–34.7 mIU/ml)—and to a lesser degree of FSH (1.8–4.6 mIU/ml)—were found. In female infants the pulsatile secretion of FSH (6.5–22.7 mIU/ml) was more pronounced than that of LH (<1.5–4.7 mIU/ml). The secretory pattern in early infancy is of a pulsatile type.