About FSH / Follicle Stimulating Hormone:
FSH stands for follicle-stimulating hormone, and it is synthesized and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. This hormone has a role in the reproductive process of the body and aids with pubertal maturation.
FSH Structure
FSH is considered a glycoprotein heterodimer weighing 35.3 kDa. It is made up of alpha and beta polypeptide units, very similar in structure to LH and TSH. The alpha unit contains 96 amino acids, while the beta unit has 111. This hormone has a sugar portion that bonds it to asparagine.
FSH Mechanisms & Functions
The primary functions of FSH are to regulate the development, pubertal maturation, growth, and reproductive processes in the human body. It is found in both males and females, stimulating the production and creation of primordial germ cells.
The functions and mechanisms differ slightly between both sexes. Males will use FSH to induce Sertoli cells, secreting ABPs. This helps to sustain spermatogenesis within males. For females, FSH starts follicular growth, which has a key role in ovulation. It stimulates the growth and maturity of ovarian follicles within the overlay. In essence, it ensures that the ideal follicles are chosen for ovulation.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone Interactions
FSH has many different interactions throughout the human body. As mentioned, it is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. To be more specific, it is actually secreted by the gonadotropin cells of this gland. It largely works hand-in-hand with the luteinizing hormone (LH) to control different actions in the reproductive system. FSH also interacts with ovarian cells in women and spermatocytes in men.