Question

Briefly mention the mechanism of action of FSH.

Answer 1

Hint: It is a gonadotropin i.e. glycoprotein polypeptide hormone synthesized by the anterior pituitary gland present in both males and females. It is related to the processes of gametogenesis.

Complete answer:
FSH is a Follicle-stimulating hormone. In males, FSH induces Sertoli cells to secretes androgen- the binding protein which sustains spermatogenesis and stimulates inhibin B secretion. In females, FSH initiates follicular growth with a rise in inhibin B. It also helps in oogenesis.In women, FSH controls the menstrual cycle and stimulates the growth of eggs in the ovaries.
The Action of FSH is given in following steps:
STEP I-The hormone FSH Secreted by the pituitary upon the regulation of hypothalamic gonadotropin- releasing hormone acts on the surface of the target cell.
STEP II- The FSH interacts with the receptor present in the ovarian cell membrane.
STEP III- The receptor release Initial response by production of cyclic AMP or CA as secondary messenger.
STEP IV- The secondary messenger undergoes a series of biochemical responses to activate other factors and enzymes.
STEP V- The result in biochemical response causes physiological response in ovary
-In the remembrance of the FSH receptor and LH receptor, heterodimerization plays an important role in the regulation of ovarian growth.

Additional Information: -High level of FSH in females causes loss of ovarian function, menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian cysts, or chromosomal abnormality such as Turner’s syndrome.
-FSH is used to estrogen feedback from the gonads via the hypothalamic-pituitary gonad.
-The increase in serum estradiol levels causes a decrease in FSH production by inhibiting gonadotropin-releasing hormone production in the hypothalamus.

Note: -FSH tests help to diagnose or evaluate menopause.
-FSH peak is observed during the third day of menstrual flow.
-The decrease in FSH results in smaller follicles production.