Inhibition of Luteinizing Hormone Secretion Induced by Synthetic LRH by Long-term Treatment with Glucocorticoids in Human Subjects

Abstract

The response of luteinizing hormone to a single injection of synthetic LRH was established in 6 women and 7 men following an intramuscular dose of 0.2mg or O.lmg. Significant increases of serum LH were observed in 30 min.Pretreatment with metyrapone for one day (4.5 g/subject) provoked a hypersecretion of LH following a single injection of synthetic LRH (0.1 mg/subject).Seven women, 21–48 years of age who were treated with prednisolone for at least l½ months were examined for responsiveness of the anterior pituitary to a single injection of synthetic LRH (0.2 mg). The secretion of LH was markedly suppressed and maximal serum levels of LH were observed 90 min following LRH injection.