The critical actions of the pituitary gonadotropins in the sexual reproductive life in both sexes depend on the structural and functional integrity of their respective receptors. Gonadotropin receptors located within the cytoplasmic membrane are members of the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily which displays a common structure composed by a large extracellular region and seven-transmembrane helices. The recent identification of natural-occurring inactivating and activating mutations in the LH and FSH receptor genes has contributed to our better understanding of gonadal disorders. In the present study, we reviewed the molecular aspects of the defects of these genes and their phenotypic implications in females. In women with homozygous inactivating mutations in these genes, frequent symptoms, such as menstrual irregularities (secondary amenorrhea or oligoamenorrhea) and infertility can drive the endocrinologist to establish the final diagnosis of LH or FSH ovarian resistance.
LH; FSH; Receptors; Premature ovarian failure; Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism