gonadotropin (redirected from gonadotropic hormone)

gonadotropin /go·nado·tro·pin/ (-tro´pin) any hormone that stimulates the gonads, especially follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.

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chorionic gonadotropin , human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (hCG) a glycopeptide hormone produced by the fetal placenta syncytiotrophoblasts that maintains the function of the corpus luteum during the first few weeks of pregnancy; the basis for most commonly used pregnancy tests. It is used pharmaceutically to treat certain cases of cryptorchidism and male infertility, to induce ovulation and pregnancy in certain infertile, anovulatory women, and to stimulate oocyte development and maturation in patients using assisted reproductive technologies. See also choriogonadotropin alfa.

human menopausal gonadotropin  (hMG) menotropins.

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go·nad·o·tro·pin (g-nd-trpn, -trpn) or go·nad·o·tro·phin (-trfn, -trpn)

n.

A hormone that stimulates the growth and activity of the gonads, especially any of several pituitary hormones that stimulate the function of the ovaries and testes. Also called gonadotropic hormone.

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gonadotropin

[gō′nədōtrop′in]

Etymology: Gk, gone + trophe, nourishment

a hormonal substance that stimulates the function of the testes and the ovaries. The gonadotropic follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone are produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. In early pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin is produced by the placenta (basis for early pregnancy detection). It acts to sustain the function of the corpus luteum of the ovary, forestalling menstruation and thus maintaining pregnancy. Gonadotropins are prescribed to induce ovulation in infertility that is caused by inadequate stimulation of the ovary by endogenous gonadotropic hormones. Excessive stimulation of the ovary may result in vast enlargement of the gland, maturation of many follicles, multiple pregnancy, bleeding into the abdomen, and pain. While named for their effects on the ovaries, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone are also major gonadotropins in the testes, causing the Leydig cells to secrete testosterone and facilitating spermatogenesis. Also called gonadotrophin. gonadotropic, gonadotrophic, adj.

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gonadotropin [go´nah-do-tro″pin]

any hormone having a stimulating effect on the gonads. Two such hormones are secreted by the anterior pituitary gland: follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, both of which are active, but with differing effects, in the two sexes. Called also gonadotropic hormone.

chorionic gonadotropin (human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (hCG))

1. a glycopeptide hormone that is produced by cells of the fetal placenta and maintains the function of the corpus luteum during the first few weeks of pregnancy. It is thought to promote steroidogenesis in the fetoplacental unit and to stimulate fetal testicular secretion of testosterone. It can be detected by immunoassay in the maternal urine within days after fertilization; this provides the basis for the most commonly used pregnancy test.

2. the same principle obtained from the urine of pregnant women, used in treatment of certain cases of cryptorchidism and male hypogonadism, to induce ovulation and pregnancy in certain infertile, anovulatory women, and to increase the numbers of oocytes for patients attempting conception using assisted reproductive technologies such as gamete intrafallopian transfer or in vitro fertilization; administered intramuscularly. See also choriogonadotropin alfa.

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gonadotropin (gōnad´ōtrōp´in),

n (gonadotropic hormone) a gonad-stimulating hormone derived either from the pituitary gland (e.g., follicle-stimulating hormone FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH], which is also an interstitial cell-stimulating hormone [ICSH]) or from the chorion (e.g., chorionic gonadotropin, which is found in the urine of pregnant women).

gonadotropin, chorionic,

n See hormone, pregnancy.

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gonadotropin

any hormone having a stimulating effect on the gonads. Two such hormones are secreted by the anterior pituitary: follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, both of which are active, but with differing effects, in the two sexes.

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chorionic gonadotropin

a gonad-stimulating hormone produced by cytotrophoblastic cells of the placenta; used in treatment of underdevelopment of the gonads and to induce ovulation. See also pregnancy tests.

gonadotropin release inhibiting factor

pituitary hormone which inhibits the release of luteinizing hormone or follicle-stimulating hormone.

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gonadotropin

Gonadotrophin Endocrinology A hormone that regulates ♂ and ♀ reproduction Examples LH and FSH, produced by the anterior pituitary, stimulate the ovaries or testicles to secrete progesterone, testosterone, estrogen; chorionic gonadotropin is produced by the placenta and drives secretion of progesterone and estrogen, which are critical for maintaining the placenta during gestation. See FSH, hCG, LH.