Luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin: a review of their varied clinical applications in assisted reproductive technology.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are often viewed as interchangeable from a functional standpoint because they are highly homologous members of the same glycoprotein hormone family that share a common α-subunit and receptor. However, technological advances yielding highly purified and recombinant gonadotropin preparations have revealed that LH and hCG fulfill different roles, both endogenously and when administered exogenously. These differences are becoming more apparent as the individual hormones are incorporated into the treatment of infertility - a therapeutic area that is continually advancing with the introduction of new agents and emerging clinical trial data.

Luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin: origins of difference.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are widely recognized for their roles in ovulation and the support of early pregnancy. Aside from the timing of expression, however, the differences between LH and hCG have largely been overlooked in the clinical realm because of their similar molecular structures and shared receptor. With technologic advancements, including the development of highly purified and recombinant gonadotropins, researchers now appreciate that these hormones are not as interchangeable as once believed.

Luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin: distinguishing unique physiologic roles.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are integral components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which controls sexual maturation and functionality. In the absence of signaling through their shared receptor, fetal sexual differentiation and post-natal development cannot proceed normally. Although they share a high degree of homology, the physiologic roles of these hormones are unique, governed by differences in expression pattern, biopotency and regulation.

Bilateral megaureters may masquerade as hydrosalpinges on ultrasound.

Gynaecologists are familiar with occluded Fallopian tubes presenting as pelvic masses on ultrasound. However, it is important to also consider anomalies of the urinary collecting system when presented with a pelvic mass, some of which do not necessitate surgical therapy. This report describes the case of a woman with unknown and asymptomatic bilateral megaureters who presented for evaluation of infertility.

Family members serving the gestational carrier needs of women lacking a uterus: a report of two cases.

Case Report: In two instances, a designated relative served as a gestational carrier for a woman who no longer had a uterus. In the first case, a 38-year-old woman underwent an emergency cesarean hysterectomy due to worsening fatty degeneration of the liver in the third trimester, culminating in massive hemorrhage, consumptive coagulopathy and the loss of twins at 28 weeks gestation following successful in vitro fertilization. In the second case, a 28-year-old had congenital absence of the uterus and vagina.