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GnRH Receptor Downregulation

Meaning

GnRH Receptor Downregulation is a crucial physiological process where the number of functional Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) receptors on the surface of pituitary gonadotroph cells decreases in response to continuous, non-pulsatile stimulation by GnRH or its analogs. This phenomenon leads to a significant reduction in the pituitary’s sensitivity to GnRH, effectively shutting down the release of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). Clinically, this controlled suppression is utilized to manage hormone-sensitive conditions like prostate cancer or endometriosis.