Luteinizing Hormone ELISA (LH ELISA)

Human luteinizing hormone (hLH) is a glycoprotein synthesized by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. This hormone consists of two subunits: α and β. The α subunit of LH is similar to the α subunit found in both the FSH and TSH glycoprotein hormones (which are also synthesized by the pituitary gland) as well as the α subunit of hCG (produced by the placenta). However, the β subunit of each of these hormones are unique. Therefore, the specificity of these four hormones are due to the β peptide chains. It is to be noted that the α chain by itself has no biological activity. The hypothalamic decapeptide, namely the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), stimulates the release of LH. Both the LH and FSH hormones in men act on the testis, which have two functions: Leydig cells secrete androgens while sperm are formed by the seminiferous tubules. The secretion of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone by the Leydig cells is under the direct control of LH.