Abstract
Using a precise immunoradiometric assay for LH and FSH we have measured gonadotrophin concentrations in 21 hour profiles of 30 children aged 5.8 - 15.5 years.
A rise in gonadotrophin concentration was seen in 73% of prepubertal children between 1600 and 0030 hours. LH concentrations were greater than FSH, but no clearly defined periodicity of LH secretion could be discerned.
During puberty, the pattern of gonadotrophin secretion changed progressively. Nocturnal pulsatility (periodicity 90 minutes) appeared at breast stage II and 24 hour gonadotrophin secretion at breast stage IV.
This study demonstrates that gonadotrophin secretion at a low level is detectable long before the clinical onset of puberty. Although sex steroid concentrations were below the limit of detection of current assays, they may be important in determining the change in GH pulse frequency we have previously described to be coincident with the mid-childhood growth spurt. When gonadotrophin secretion achieved regular periodicity, sex steroid concentrations rose, pubertal changes occurred and the growth spurt was entrained. 24 hour gonadotrophin secretion was required for the attainment of reproductive capability.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pringle, P., Hindmarsh, P. & Brook, C. 127 24 HR CONADOTROPHIN PROFILES IN NORMAL CHILDREN. Pediatr Res 24, 538 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198810000-00148
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198810000-00148