Neuroendocrinology
Original Paper
Gonadotropin Secretion during Aging in Postmenopausal WomenRossmanith W.G.a · Scherbaum W.A.b · Lauritzen C.aDepartments of aObstetrics-Gynecology and bInternal Medicine, University of Ulm, FRG
|
|
Log in to MyKarger to check if you already have access to this content.
KAB
Buy a Karger Article Bundle (KAB) and profit from a discount!
If you would like to redeem your KAB credit, please log in.
Save over 20% compared to the individual article price.
Article / Publication Details
Received: September 04, 1990
Accepted: December 06, 1990
Published online: April 07, 2008
Issue release date: 1991
Number of Print Pages: 8
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0
ISSN: 0028-3835 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0194 (Online)
For additional information: https://www.karger.com/NEN
Abstract
Although chronological aging is known to result in reduced gonadotropin secretion in women, the precise mechanisms to account for this neuroendocrine manifestation are yet obscure. To evaluate the extent to which the pituitary and/or hypothalamus are involved in the process of aging, we aimed at characterizing the unstimulated and GnRH-stimulated gonadotropin secretion in postmenopausal women (PMW) of different ages. Accordingly, 9 younger PMW (mean age: 53.8 years) in their first and 9 older PMW (mean age: 80.3 years) in their 4th decade of life after natural onset of menopause were studied. In both groups, blood was collected at 10-min intervals for 10 h, while GnRH (25 µg i.v.) was administered 8 h after initiation of blood samplings. Compared to younger PMW, basal serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate were lower (p < 0.05) in older PMW, while estrogen (estradiol, estrone), androgen (testosterone, androstendione) and sex hormone binding globulin levels were similar. Lower (p < 0.01) mean LH levels composed of attenuated (p < 0.05) LH pulse amplitudes and pulse frequencies (as determined by the cluster pulse algorithm) were found in the 8-hour LH secretory profiles of older PMW. Furthermore, the FSH secretion of older PMW was characterized by lower (p < 0.01) mean FSH levels with lower (p < 0.05) FSH pulse amplitudes, but not pulse frequencies. The absolute peak concentrations attained and the total amount of LH and FSH released in response to GnRH stimulations were blunted (p < 0.001) in older PMW. Similarly, the percentual GnRH-stimulated LH and FSH increases over preceding unstimulated basal concentrations were greater (p < 0.01) in younger than in older PMW. These observations indicate that the gonadotropin secretion is reduced during advanced age in PMW. This attenuated serum gonadotropin pulsatility found in older PMW is presumably the consequence of reduced release of hypothalamic GnRH and of a decreased sensitivity of the pituitary gonadotroph.
© 1991 S. Karger AG, Basel
Related Articles:
Article / Publication Details
Received: September 04, 1990
Accepted: December 06, 1990
Published online: April 07, 2008
Issue release date: 1991
Number of Print Pages: 8
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0
ISSN: 0028-3835 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0194 (Online)
For additional information: https://www.karger.com/NEN
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
Get Permission
PubMed ID
