In contrast to intermittent injections of GnRH, administration of GnRH at a constant rate leads to reduced gonadotrophin secretion (Fig. 1.17). This phenomenon, attributed to down regulation of GnRH receptors, has been exploited for the treatment of idiopathic precocious puberty. In patients with this disorder, the use of a ΓÇÿsuper agonistΓÇÖ of GnRH inhibits gonadal function to prepubertal levels. This approach has also been used to suppress ovarian function in patients with metastatic carcinoma of the breast and pituitary-testicular function in men with carcinoma of the prostate.
