Gonadotropin receptors

Gonadotropin receptors belong to a subgroup of G-protein coupled receptors characterized by a large extracellular domain responsible for the binding o f the hormone. Soluble, hormone-binding, alternative splicing variants of t he LH receptor, are present in high concentration. A mannose rich precursor form of LH and FSH receptor is accumulated inside target cells. FSH recept ors are addressed to the basolateral domain of cells through specific signa ling mechanisms. Gonadotropin receptors are also present in endothelial cel ls of target organ Vessels and are involved in hormone transcytosis. Variou s genetic abnormalities of these receptors (and of the GnRH receptor) are d iscussed.