The Sound of Evolution
Nafarelin
Mechanism of action:
Nafarelin is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog. In the initial phase, nafarelin continuously stimulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors in the anterior pituitary, causing a transient rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which temporarily increases sex hormone levels such as testosterone or estrogen. With continued administration, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors become desensitized and downregulated due to prolonged stimulation, markedly weakening pituitary responsiveness to gonadotropin-releasing hormone. As a result, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone begin to decrease, leading to reduced sex hormone production.
Reference(s):
1. Hugues JN et al. (1998). Revisiting gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist protocols and management of poor ovarian responses to gonadotrophins. Hum Reprod Update.
2. Garner C et al. (1994). Uses of GnRH agonists. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs.
3. Henzl MR et al. (1992). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs: update on new findings. Am J Obstet Gynecol.