Δ4 pathway
Progesterone, 17-OH-progesterone (17 OHP)
One major finding of this study is that hCG/rFSH replacement stimulates and thus normalizes some important steroid hormones belonging to the Δ4 pathway of steroidogenesis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadal males. 17-OHP levels were significantly decreased on treatment with testosterone, but not while the males were on gonadotropin replacement, indicating that a major proportion of this precursor steroid is produced in the gonads and requires gonadotropin stimulation for secretion, while a minor part of it stems from other sources. It is likely that ACTH- stimulated production in the adrenal gland contributes to it.
Was going to post yesterday but forgot.
A pure joy to read.
Thanks to one of the brightest minds who has contributed greatly to the field of endocrinology and andrology.
Julia Rohayem , Michael Zitzmann , Sandra Laurentino , Sabine Kliesch , Eberhard Nieschlag, Paul Martin Holterhus, Alexandra Kulle
Limitations
One limitation of the present study, regarding the investigation of gonadotropin-effects is that hCG was used to replace LH. This substance may have slightly different properties regarding the activation of LHCG receptors 55. However, at present, rLH is not licensed for clinical use in males.
