The goal of this study is to see whether kisspeptin, a naturally occurring hormone, can stimulate the release of other reproductive hormones in men and women with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH). The investigators are also examining whether kisspeptin can help women release eggs from their ovaries. Kisspeptin will be administered SC for two weeks in a pulsatile fashion. Ultrasound monitoring of ovarian follicular growth (for women) and frequent blood sampling (every 10 minutes for up to 70 minutes) will be performed to assess the physiologic response to kisspeptin over time. Funding Source: FDA OOPD
Assignment: All study subjects will undergo the same interventions. Delivery of Interventions: * Each subject will undergo a review of their medical history, physical exam, and screening laboratories. * A single SC injection of leuprolide acetate may be administered approximately six days before kisspeptin administration. (Previously administration of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) was used in this study.) * A pelvic ultrasound will be performed on women to assess baseline follicular size. * A pump will be placed to administer pulsatile SC kisspeptin for two weeks. * During the course of kisspeptin administration, subjects will * Undergo q10 min blood sampling (approximately 10 sessions, 70 minutes each) * For women, undergo pelvic ultrasounds (approximately 4 sessions) * Optional q10 min sampling up to 8 hours may take place before and after the course of kisspeptin
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
36
SC administration of kisspeptin for two weeks (pulsatile, every 60-240 minutes)
Single SC bolus
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
RECRUITINGAverage change in luteinizing hormone (LH) pulse amplitude
Average difference in LH amplitude after the first dose of kisspeptin (day 1) compared to the last dose of kisspeptin (day 15)
Time frame: 2 weeks
Percentage of female participants who demonstrate achievement of a mature follicle or show evidence of ovulation
Percentage of female participants that develop a mature follicle or ovulate. Mature follicle achievement is defined as evidence of a follicle with maximum diameter ≥18 mm. Evidence of ovulation is defined as detection of a corpus luteum on ultrasound in combination with elevated progesterone level.
Time frame: 2 weeks
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