Follicle Stimulating Hormone from porcine pituitary

General description
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) protein is composed of two subunits- α and β, where α subunit has resemblance to LH, hCG and TSH, which are glycoprotein hormones. α subunit has one glycosylation site and β subunit has two.[1] Application
Follicle stimulating hormone from porcine pituitary has been used for the in vitro maturation, fertilization and co-culture of cumulus oocyte complex and the co-culture of primary germ and Sertoli cells obtained from adult rat testes.[2][3][4] Biochem/physiol Actions
FSH in involved in the growth of ovarian follicles and steroidogenesis of ovaries. FSHR (follicle stimulating hormone receptor) interacts with FSH in the ovaries, and determines the responsiveness to this hormone. Depressed levels of FSHR result in poor responsiveness and influence folliculogenesis.[5] In Caucasian population, certain polymorphisms in this gene are more commonly found in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).[6] The α-chain is not active; biological specificity is attributed to the β-chain. Induces maturation of Graafian follicles of the ovary; promotes development of germinal cells in males; activates cytosolic tyrosine kinase.
Other Notes
One unit is the activity of 1 mg of Armour FSH Standard G-94 by the method of Steelman, S.L., and Pohley, F.M., Endocrinology, 53, 604 (1953).
Two-chain glycoprotein hormone