Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue

GnRH analogues, outdated and LHRH analogues are synthetic analogues of the neurohormone gonadotropin -releasing hormone (GnRH ), which are used as drugs for artificial lowering of testosterone levels in the blood. Areas of application are essentially surgically treatable forms no longer of prostate cancer, breast cancer ( breast cancer ) and endometriosis. Furthermore, they are used for the treatment of idiopathic precocious puberty, when they decrease as a so-called super - agonists, the secretion of gonadotropins.

Mechanism of action

Physiologically pulsatile GnRH is released by the hypothalamus every 60 to 90 minutes. Thus, the pituitary gland is stimulated to secrete FSH and LH, thereby aiding the synthesis of estrogen and testosterone. Through a pulsatile administration of GnRH analogues, this can be imitate and stimulate hormone release. For long-term continuous administration, the hormone release but inhibited (chemical, reversible castration ) because it is the pulsatile necessary.

Agents

Most of the preparations are now administered as a one-, three -month depot or six-month depot. The latest, introduced in 2004, development in the area of ​​GnRH analogues is the one- or three- month injection that creates a subcutaneous depot in the form of a gel pad.

Some of the substances used:

• Leuprorelin
• Goserelin
• Buserelin
• Triptorelin