Gonadotropic cell

This control of the reproductive system is coordinated by the electrical activity and signaling pathways of gonadotrophs as well as the tight regulation of gonadotropic cells by both sex steroids and paracrine factors.

[2] During embryonic development, the anterior and posterior pituitary merge due to regulated cell-to-cell interactions, signaling pathways, and numerous transcription factors.

It has been found through studies with zebrafish that glycoprotein 𝞪-subunit (gpa) and thyroid-stimulating hormone beta (tshb) expressing cells are precursors for gonadotropes and thyrotropes.

Even further, the genes involved in the final differentiation of these precursors into gonadotropes are sine oculus 1 (six1), eyes absent homolog 1 (eya1), steroidogenic factor 1 (sf1), and paired-like homeodomain 1 (pitx1).

Gonadotropes are usually near capillaries and in close proximity to lactotrophs, which suggests a possible paracrine interaction between the two pituitary endocrine cells.

In electron micrographs of gonadotropic cells, the rough endoplasmic reticulum is prominent and forms dilated stacks, and the Golgi apparatus are also clearly visible.

[6] This oscillation of calcium ions occurs through the resultant signaling cascade of the GnRH binding to the GnRHR in the plasma membrane of the gonadotroph.

After modification and packaging within the Golgi complex, the hormones are delivered to the plasma membrane through constitutive or regulated secretory pathways.

In males, LH stimulates the production of testosterone by Leydig cells in testis and FSH controls spermatogenesis.

Testosterone will also provide negative feedback to gonadotrophs and regulate its own production by acting on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary.