indication

For treatment of female infertility

pharmacology

Used to facilitate female conception, lutropin alfa performs the same actions as luteinizing hormone (LH), which is normally produced in the pituitary gland. Lutropin is usually given in combination with follitropin alfa. In females, a LH surge about halfway through the menstrual cycle triggers the onset of ovulation. LH also induces the ovulated follicle to become a corpus luteum, which then secretes progesterone.

mechanism of action

Binds to the luteinizing hormone receptor which then activates adenylate cylcase through G protein mediation. Adenylate cyclase then activates many other pathways leading to steroid hormone production and other follicle maturation processes.

half life

4.4 hours (mammalian reticulocytes, in vitro)

route of elimination

Total body clearance is approximately 2 to 3 L/h with less than 5 percent of the dose being excreted unchanged renally.