Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone 1
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GNRH1) is a hormone found in the human body. It is secreted by the hypothalamus. GNRH1 is classified as a peptide hormone.
Secretion and Production
GNRH1 is produced in and secreted from the hypothalamus. It is secreted into the blood where it is carried to the pituitary gland. In the pituitary gland, GNRH1 causes the release of the reproductive hormones follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.
The frequency and level of secretion of GNRH1 varies between males and females. In males, GNRH1 is secreted in pulses at a constant frequency. In females, GNRH1 secretion varies during the menstrual cycle, and there is a large surge of GNRH1 just before ovulation.
The effects of GNRH1 are limited to causing secretion of the reproductive, but, in this way, it is a very important hormone in the reproductive cycle. Inadvertently, GNRH1 is responsible for follicular growth, ovulation, and corpus luteum maintenance in females, and spermatogenesis in males.
Pharmacological Uses
Synthetic GNRH1 is injected by an infusion pump system. It is used to induce ovulation in patients with hypothalamic hypogonadism.