The luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) is a transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor located most prominently in the ovary and testis but also found in organs such as the uterus, breasts, prostate, and seminal vesicles. As its name suggests, the receptor is activated by both luteinizing hormone (LH) and chorionic gonadotropins (e.g. hCG) and plays an important role in the regulation of reproduction. In the ovaries, activation of LHCGR by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) leads to follicular maturation and ovulation. In the testis, LHCGR activation is essential for testosterone production and spermatogenesis. The LHCGR receptor activates G(s) proteins which leads to the activation of adenylyl cyclase and produces the secondary messenger cAMP. cAMP then activates protein kinase A (PKA) which phosphorylates downstream effectors that lead to a specific cellular response. Specifically, LHCGR upregulates the mitochondrial enzyme P450scc (cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme) which increases the production of steroid hormones such as testosterone and estrogen.

Intracellular Signalling Through LHCGR Receptor and Luteinizing Hormone/Choriogonadotropin References