[Recombinant FSH. Characteristics and therapeutical values].

Pituitary glycoproteins LH and FSH control gonadal physiology. Modern techniques of molecular biology have allowed the synthesis of human recombinant hormones (rec). In particular rec-FSH is now available for clinical use. This pure preparation of FSH, is available in unlimited quantity. The pharmacokinetics of the rec-hormone is identical to its natural counterpart. The use of rec-FSH in hypophysectomized women has allowed the reconfirmation of the "Two-cell--Two gonadotropins" theory. Indeed rec-FSH induces follicular growth without rise in Estradiol secretion. Clinical applications of rec-FSH and LH include ovarian stimulation, as well as, induction of spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Overall, these pure gonadotropins have the critical advantage of purity, reproducibility and in addition they allow easy modulation of the FSH/LH ratio.