Recent Approaches to Fertility Control Based on Derivatives of LH-RH

This chapter discusses the recent approaches to fertility control based on derivatives of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH). The most recent advances on antisera to LH-RH and the agonistic and antagonistic analogs of this hormone are reviewed. Among several contraceptive approaches presently being considered and developed is one based on analogs and derivatives of the hypothalamic hormone that controls the secretion of both LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary. The work with antisera to LH-RH should be continued to investigate the possibilities of temporary active immunization against LH-RH. The development of contraceptives based on inhibitory analogs of LH-RH that could be conveniently applied as a nasal spray and that would be free of undesirable side effects. Basic and clinical research should also be continued on the phenomena of paradoxical fertility inhibition by large doses of superactive long-acting LH-RH analogs. The possible use of various derivatives of LH-RH for fertility control is also emphasized in the chapter.