Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone: Physiological significance and relevance to cancer

摘要: Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) is a decapeptide released by the hypothalamus. The binding of peptide to pituitary receptors leads activation second messenger systems. physiological outcome exposure cells GnRH release luteinising (LH) and follicle-stimulating (FSH). Continued these high concentrations desensitises receptor, thus inhibiting gonadotrophins. This paradoxical effect has proved be beneficial in clinic where long-acting enzyme-resistant analogues are used inhibit pituitary-gonadal axis, for example treatment advanced prostatic cancer. In addition GnRH-analogues may affect tumour directly as observed vitro. These direct effects have been described inhibitory but recent data suggests that low stimulate short term growth cancer shares many other common characteristics with factors, including systems receptor desensitisation on prolonged ligand. It possible mediated through receptors, suggested observations. nature mechanism anti-tumour important understand promote therapeutic efficacy clinic.