Differential Regulation in the Release of Bioactive Versus Immunoactive Gonadotropins from Cultured Rat Pituitary Cells by Inhibin and Androgens

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Using in vitro bioassays and radioimmunoassays, the authors examined the interactions between purified 32kD ovine inhibin, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone on basal and GnRH‐stimulated secretion of gonadotropins in primary rat pituitary cell cultures. This study demonstrates that inhibin and androgens: 1) differentially regulate gonadotropin levels, 2) cause changes in the amounts of bioactive and immunoactive FSH and LH released. In conclusion, differences in bio‐ and immuno‐FSH and LH secretion suggest that the endocrine milieu results in not only quantitative but qualitative changes in the secreted gonadotropin isoforms.