Gonadotropic cells (called also Gonadotropes or Gonadotrophs or Delta Cells or Delta basophils) are
endocrine cells in the
anterior pituitary that produce the
gonadotropins, such as the
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and
luteinizing hormone
Luteinizing hormone (LH, also known as luteinising hormone, lutropin and sometimes lutrophin) is a hormone produced by gonadotropic cells in the anterior pituitary gland. The production of LH is regulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) ...
(LH). Release of FSH and LH by gonadotropes is regulated by
gonadotropin-releasing hormone
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a releasing hormone responsible for the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary. GnRH is a tropic peptide hormone synthesized and release ...
(GnRH) from the
hypothalamus
The hypothalamus () is a part of the brain that contains a number of small nuclei with a variety of functions. One of the most important functions is to link the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. The hypothalamu ...
.
Gonadotropes appear
basophilic
Basophilic is a technical term used by pathologists. It describes the appearance of cells, tissues and cellular structures as seen through the microscope after a histological section has been stained with a basic dye. The most common such dye i ...
in histological preparations.
Gonadotropes have insulin receptors, which can be overstimulated by too high insulin levels. This may lead to infertility as hormone release levels are disrupted.
Gonadotropes are feedback inhibited by specific hormones, including estradiol.
See also
*
List of human cell types derived from the germ layers
References
Peptide hormone secreting cells
Human cells
Human female endocrine system
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