Embryo implantation and GnRH antagonists The search for the human placental GnRH receptor

Rama, S and Rao, AJ (2001) Embryo implantation and GnRH antagonists The search for the human placental GnRH receptor. In: Human Reproduction, 16 (2). pp. 201-205.

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Abstract

Hypothalamic gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) plays a major role in the endocrine control of reproduction. Acting through its high affinity receptors on pituitary gonadotrophs, it regulates the secretion of gonadotrophins. In addition, GnRH also functions as a local regulator in a number of other cell lines and tissues, including the placenta. In a manner analogous to hypothalamic GnRH stimulation of LH and FSH from the anterior pituitary, GnRH was found to cause a dose-dependent release of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) from the placenta. So began the search for a putative GnRH receptor in the human placenta. Although early radio-receptor studies reported specific binding, the properties of these `putative' GnRH binding sites were found to differ significantly from those of their pituitary counterparts in several important respects. This was followed by a series of contradictory reports that led to more questions and opened up avenues for further investigations. Even after nearly two decades of research, the human placental GnRH receptor has not been characterized beyond all reasonable doubt. This review recalls the discovery, the controversies and unanswered questions concerning the human placental GnRH receptor.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Human Reproduction
Publisher:	European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
Keywords:	GnRH receptor;human placenta
Department/Centre:	Division of Biological Sciences > Molecular Reproduction, Development & Genetics Division of Biological Sciences > Biochemistry
Date Deposited:	26 Oct 2007
Last Modified:	19 Sep 2010 04:40
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/12299

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