RECOMBINANT FSH - CHARACTERISTICS AND THE RAPEUTIC APPLICATION

Pituitary glycoproteins LH and FSH control gonadal physiology, Modern techniques of molecular biology have allowed the synthesis of human re combinant hormones (rec). In particular rec-FSH is now available for c linical use. This pure preparation of FSH, is available in unlimited q uantity. The pharmacokinetics of the rec-hormone is identical to its n atural counterpart. The use of rec-FSH in hypophysectomized women has allowed the reconfirmation of the << Two-cell - Two gonadotropins >> t heory. Indeed rec-FSH induces follicular growth without rise in Estrad iol secretion. Clinical applications of rec-FSH and LH include ovarian stimulation, as well as, induction of spermatogenesis in men with hyp ogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Overall, these pure gonadotropins have th e critical advantage of purity, reproducibility and in addition they a llow easy modulation of the FSH/LH ratio.