The endocrine control of the reproductive function is often studied from the
analysis of luteinizing hormone (LH) pulsatile secretion by the pituitary
gland. Whereas measurements in the cavernous sinus cumulate anatomical and
technical difficulties, LH levels can be easily assessed from jugular blood.
However, plasma levels result from a convolution process due to clearance
effects when LH enters the general circulation. Simultaneous measurements
comparing LH levels in the cavernous sinus and jugular blood have revealed
clear differences in the pulse shape, the amplitude and the baseline.