Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone synthesised and secreted by gonadotropes in the anterior pituitary gland. FSH and LH act synergistically in reproduction. In women, in the ovary, FSH stimulates the growth of immature Graafian follicles to maturation. As the follicle grows it releases inhibin, which shuts off the FSH production. In men, FSH enhances the production of androgen-binding proteinby the Sertoli cells of the testes and is critical for spermatogenesis. In both males and females, FSH stimulates the maturation of germ cells. In females, FSH initiates follicular growth, specifically affecting granulosa cells. With the concomitant rise in inhibin B, FSH levels then decline in the late follicular phase. This seems to be critical in selecting only the most advanced follicle to proceed to ovulation. At the end of the luteal phase, there is a slight rise in FSH that seems to be of importance to start the next ovulatory cycle. Like its partner, LH, FSH release at the pituitary gland is controlled by pulses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH). Those pulses, in turn, are subject to the estrogen feed-back from the gonads.
<1.0 EU/μg of recombinant protein as determined by the LAL method.
Biological Activity Comment
Activity was determined to be 1.0 x 10^4 IU/mg protein.
Weight
30.0 kDa
Description
A quick spin of the vial followed by reconstitution in distilled water to a concentration not less than 0.1 mg/mL. This solution can then be diluted into other buffers.
Format
Lyophilized PowderFSH was lyophilized from a 0.2 μm filtered solution.
Purity
>95% as determined by SDS-PAGE
Storage
The lyophilized protein is stable for at least one year from date of receipt at -70°C. Upon reconstitution, this cytokine can be stored in working aliquots at 2° - 8°C for one month, or at -20°C for six months, with a carrier protein without detectable loss of activity. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.