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gonadotropes

This cell type, known also as gonadotropic cells (gonadotrophic cells, gonadotrophs), is found in the pituitary and is one of five hormone-producing cell types in the pituitary (thyrotropes, lactotropes, corticotropes, somatotropes). These terms reflect a conservative view ("one cell - one hormone") of anterior pituitary cell types and it should be noted that these cells may store and release more than one hormone (Villalobos et al, 2004). Approximately 30 % of rat mouse and monkey pituitary cells, for example, express mRNAs for multiple hormones (Hauspie et al, 2003; Okada et al, 2003; Roudbaraki et al, 1999; Seuntjens et al, 2002). For an intermediate cell type see also: somatogonadotropes. Fukami et al (1997) have described bihormonal cells that secrete luteinizing hormone (like gonadotropes), and prolactin (like mammotropes) in normal rat pituitary cells.

Gonadotropes come in two types. One cell type produces the hormones FSH [follicle stimulating hormone]; the other produces LH [luteinizing hormone]. For a brief overview see: Ooi et al (2004), Counis et al (2005), Ruf and Sealfon (2004). Childs (1995) has pointed out that the gonadotrope population consists of independent subsets with regulatory and hormone-producing functions. According to their histological staining behaviour (high affinity towards basic dyes), gonadotropes are classified as basophil cells.

Pope et al (2006) have reported that most human fetal gonadotropes express the alpha subunit common to the gonatotropins FSH and LH, chorionic gonadotropin, and thyrotropin (alpha-GSU), LH-beta, and FSH-beta gonadotropin subunits. Non-dividing gonadotropes express FSH-beta and LH-beta. This profile of human fetal gonadotrope development differs from the current mouse model. Expression of alpha-GSU appears to be the lead protein in gonadotropes.

For related information see also: Cell types, Cell lines in Cytokine Research, Cell culture.

MODIFIED: August 2006

See REFERENCES for entry gonadotropes

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