Gonadotrophs have a dual origin, with most derived from pituitary stem cells during minipuberty.

Abstract

Gonadotrophs are the essential pituitary endocrine cells for reproduction. They produce both luteinizing (LH) and follicle-stimulating (FSH) hormones that act on the gonads. Gonadotrophs first appear in the embryonic pituitary, along with other endocrine cell types, and all expand after birth. We show here that most gonadotrophs originate from a population of postnatal pituitary stem cells during minipuberty, while those generated in the embryo are maintained, revealing an unsuspected dual origin of the adult population. This has implications for our understanding of the establishment and regulation of reproductive functions, both in health and in disease.