This article will help you to differentiate between gonadotrophins and antigonadotrophins.
Difference # 1. Gonadotrophins:
Gonadotrophins are secreted primarily from Anterior pituitary gland, while gonadotrophin like substances are secreted from endometrial cups of pregnant mares and chorionic villi of human placenta. Those secreted from pituitary are known as pituitary gonadotrophins (p-Gn) while those obtained from other sources are called Anterior pituitary like gonadotrophins (APL-Gn) or Non-pituitary gonadotrophins (NP-Gn)
(i) Pituitary Gonadotrophins:
Pituitary Gonadotrophins are two in number viz Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Leutinizing hormone (LH) or Interstitial cell stimulating hormone (ICSH). Both of them are glycoprotein with slight difference in molecular weight but vary considerably in their half-life time.
Their exact molecular structure has not yet been elucidated, however, they seem to contain about 216 or more amino acids. Comparative chemistry of the p-Gn is depicted in table 22.6.
Difference # 2. Antigonadotrophins:
Compounds which inhibit or interfere with the production or release of pituitary gonadotrophins both in males and females leading to inhibition of testicular/ovarian functions are termed as anti-gonadotrophins. Danazol and Gestrinone are two known such compounds which fall under this class.
The former is a derivative of ethisterone while the latter is an analogue of the former. They have been used in medical practice for treatment of endometriosis, gynaecomastia, precocious puberty in boys etc., but have certain side effects also. As side-effects, they may produce loss of libido, muscle cramps, night sweating, acne, hirusitism etc.
In addition to the anti-gonadotrophic effect they react with progesterone, androgen and glucocorticoids receptors producing androgenic and anabolic effects. They also inhibit certain enzymes involved in production of ovarian estrogen. Thus they create hypo-estrogenic-hypo pro-gestational situation through hypothalamic hypophyseal ovarian mechanism.