Comparison of the LH secretion patterns in the male rat following infusion of LRH and of the LRH-analogue buserelin®. Influence of castration and oestradiol benzoate on the efficiency of LH release

1983 ◽  
Vol 102 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. Schuiling ◽  
N. Pols-Valkhof ◽  
T. R. Koiter
Keyword(s):  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Male Rat ◽  
Potency Ratio ◽  
Maximal Height ◽  
Oestradiol Benzoate ◽  
Lh Release ◽  
Buserelin Treatment ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Lh Secretion

Abstract. The LH releasing activities of LRH and the LRH-analogue buserelin® (HOE 766; (D-Ser (But)6-LRH(1–9)nona peptide-ethylamide) were compared in intact and short- and long-term castrated male rats, pre-treated (either 1 or 3 days) with oestradiol benzoate (EB) or oil. LRH and buserelin were infused iv at the constant rate of 104 ng/h for 21 h. Blood samples were taken from an intracarotid cannula. LH responses were judged on the basis of the mean maximal height of the LH concentration (MH; ng LH/ml plasma) and a parameter of total LH release, i.e. the area under the curve of LH concentrations plotted against time ('area under the curve', AUC; expressed in 'area units'). The release efficiency of LRH and buserelin, E (see for a definition: Materials and Methods), which informs on the total quantity of LH released in relation to pituitary LH content, was calculated by dividing the AUC × 100 by the pituitary LH content at the beginning of stimulation. Maximal plasma LH concentrations were observed between t= 1.5 and t=3 h after LRH and between t= 1.5 and t=9 after buserelin treatment. Both with LRH and buserelin the rise of LH secretion was greater the longer the animals were castrated and/or pre-treated with EB. The buserelin-induced LH response (with the exception of the responses induced in the EB-pre-treated, 4-weeks castrated rat) were about 2–2.5 times higher (MH) and larger (AUC) than the corresponding LRH-induced responses. The buserelin/LRH potency ratio, therefore, is about 2–2.5. EB-pre-treatment did not change the pituitary LH content. It therefore enhanced the efficiency of release of LH of both LRH and buserelin. Castration, on the other hand, caused an increase of the pituitary LH content: after 4 weeks it was raised by a factor 4. Since, however, the LH responses induced by LRH and buserelin were proportionally higher and larger, castration did not significantly change the efficiency of LH release. The results indicate that the efficiency of LH release can be changed by changes in the endocrine environment in the experimental animals, whilst for the magnitude of LH responses the pituitary LH content is also important. It is therefore suggested that the responsiveness of the pituitary gland to LRH (and agonistic analogues) is determined by (1) the state of the LH secretion mechanism and (2) the pituitary LH content.

Effect of oestrogen on the responsiveness of the pituitary gland to LRH: the role of corpora lutea

1981 ◽  
Vol 98 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-35
Author(s):  
T. R. Koiter ◽  
N. Pols-Valkhof ◽  
G. A. Schuiling
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Release Mechanism ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Constant Rate ◽  
Maximal Height ◽  
Oestradiol Benzoate ◽  
Lh Release ◽  
Single Set

Abstract. The hypothesis that corpora lutea (CL) secrete substances which prevent oestrogens from influencing the state of responsiveness of the pituitary gland to LRH (RESP) was tested in rats rendered persistently oestrous (PO) by exposure to permanent illumination. In these rats ovulation and hence the presence of a single set of CL, was induced by exogenous gonadotrophin, hCG. The RESP of the animals was judged on 3 parameters based on the surge-like LH-secretory responses which were induced by 21-h long constant rate LRH infusions (104 ng/LRH/h). These 3 parameters were: a) the maximal height (MH) of the responses; b) the 'area under the curve' (AUC) of the LH values; and c) the constant β (or alternatively the t½) which characterizes the rate of decrease of the plasma LH concentrations after 2 h of infusion. Four experiments were performed, all with PO rats: 1) rats were injected with either oestradiol benzoate (OeB; 3 μg sc) or oil on day 0 (the day treatments were started was always denoted as day 0); 2) rats were treated similarly, but they also received an ovulatory dose of hCG (50 IU/100 g b.w. ip) on day 0; 3) rats were injected with hCG on day 0 and with OeB or oil on day 3; and 4) rats were injected with hCG on days 0 and 4, on which latter day they also received OeB or oil. In all 4 experiments the LRH infusions were started 21 h after administration of OeB or oil. Blood samples for LH determinations were taken at times apparent from 'Results and Discussion'. It is observed that: 1) after administration of OeB the MH and thereby the AUC increased significantly but the β of the LH-secretory responses was unchanged; 2) after administration of an ovulatory dose of hCG the LH-secretory responses changed also; of these responses, however, the β had decreased and the AUC had increased, whilst the MH remained unchanged; 3) when given together, OeB and hCG exhibited their effect simultaneously: the two effects are additive; 4) in the presence of 3-day old CL OeB is ineffective; and 5) in the presence of 4-day old CL neither OeB nor hCG is able to affect the RESP. It is concluded: 1) OeB and 'hCG' probably influence a different substrate of the LH-release mechanism; and 2) that these results confirm the hypothesis that CL secrete substances which prevent oestrogen from affecting the RESP for at least 4 days. If this hypothesis is extended to the cyclic rat, CL, arisen after the previous ovulation, may still be of importance on the day of the next pro-oestrus by exerting a significant influence on the RESP.

Influence of melatonin and oestradiol on the opioidergic regulation of LH and prolactin release in pony mares

1997 ◽  
Vol 154 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Aurich ◽  
J Lange ◽  
H-O Hoppen ◽  
J E Aurich
Keyword(s):  
Prolactin Secretion ◽  
Opioid Antagonist ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Melatonin Treatment ◽  
Prolactin Release ◽  
Oestradiol Treatment ◽  
Oestradiol Benzoate ◽  
Lh Release ◽  
Lh Secretion

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of oestradiol, melatonin and season on the opioid regulation of LH and prolactin release. Effects of the opioid antagonist naloxone (0·5 mg/kg) on LH and prolactin secretion were determined in ovariectomized pony mares. In experiment 1, mares in January (n=6) were pretreated with oestradiol benzoate (5 μg/kg) for 20 days. In experiment 2, beginning in May, mares (n=7) received melatonin (15 mg) for 15 days and subsequently a combination of melatonin plus oestradiol for 20 days. In experiment 3, beginning in May, mares (n=6) were pretreated with oestradiol for 30 days, left untreated for 12 days and then given melatonin for 35 days. In all experiments the animals were injected with the opioid antagonist naloxone and saline on 2 consecutive days prior to treatment. In experiment 1, animals received naloxone and saline on days 10 and 11 and 20 and 21 following oestradiol treatment. In experiment 2, naloxone and saline were administered on days 15 and 16 following melatonin treatment and on days 10 and 11 and 20 and 21 of melatonin plus oestradiol treatment. In experiment 3, the animals received naloxone and saline on days 10 and 11, 20 and 21 and 30 and 31 of oestradiol treatment, prior to melatonin treatment and on days 15 and 16, 25 and 26 and 35 and 36 following melatonin. In January (experiment 1), naloxone evoked a significant (P<0·05) LH release at all times, however the LH increment in response to naloxone increased during oestradiol pretreatment (P<0·05) During the breeding season (experiments 2 and 3), naloxone induced a significant (P<0·05) increase in plasma LH concentrations when mares had not been pretreated with oestradiol or melatonin and after oestradiol pretreatment. Basal LH concentrations and the LH increment in response to naloxone increased significantly (P<0·05) during the 30-day oestradiol pretreatment. Melatonin decreased the naloxone-induced LH release and the LH release in response to naloxone and saline no longer differed after 25 and 35 days of melatonin pretreatment. When melatonin was given together with oestradiol for 20 days, again a significant (P<0·05) LH release in response to naloxone occurred. Prolactin release was significantly (P<0·05) increased by naloxone when mares had been pretreated with only melatonin. The opioid antagonist did not affect prolactin release in mares that had not been pretreated or received oestradiol either alone or in combination with melatonin. In conclusion, in long-term ovariectomized mares, opioids inhibit LH secretion independent from ovarian factors. This opioid inhibition of LH secretion is enhanced by oestradiol and reduced by melatonin. Although short-term melatonin treatment in-activates the opioid regulation of LH release, a prolonged influence of melatonin as occurs in winter does not prevent activation of the opioid system. This indicates that effects of melatonin on the opioid regulation of LH release change with time. An opioid inhibition of prolactin secretion is activated by melatonin given for 15–35 days but is lost under the prolonged influence of a short-day melatonin signal in winter. Journal of Endocrinology (1997) 154, 241–248

Effects of acute administration of 2-hydroxylated metabolites of oestrogens on LH and prolactin secretion in male and female prepubertal rats

1984 ◽  
Vol 103 (3) ◽  
pp. 317-325
Author(s):  
A. K. Brar ◽  
G. Fink
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Concentration ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Male Rat ◽  
Female Rat ◽  
Uterine Weight ◽  
Immature Female ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Immature Male ◽  
Lh Release

ABSTRACT The effects of catechol oestradiol and catechol oestrone on the release of LH and prolactin were investigated in immature male and female Wistar rats. In male rats both catechol oestradiol and catechol oestrone significantly increased the plasma concentration of LH, and catechol oestradiol but not catechol oestrone significantly increased the plasma concentration of prolactin and decreased the pituitary concentration of LH. The parent oestrogens, oestradiol-17β and oestrone, had no effect on plasma LH concentrations, but both increased significantly the plasma concentration of prolactin, and oestrone but not oestradiol-17β increased the pituitary concentration of LH. In immature female rats, catechol oestradiol inhibited the surge of LH and the increase in uterine weight induced by injecting pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG). The injection of oestrone induced an increase in the plasma concentration of LH which was about nine times greater than that produced by oestradiol-17β. There were no significant differences in the effects of these steroids on plasma prolactin concentration. These results (i) confirm that in the immature male rat catechol oestrogens can stimulate LH release and show that catechol oestradiol can increase prolactin release, (ii) show that catechol oestradiol can inhibit the stimulatory effects of PMSG on LH release and uterine weight in the immature female rat, and (iii) demonstrate that oestrone can stimulate LH release in the immature female rat. J. Endocr. (1984) 103, 317-325

Adrenal progesterone facilitates the negative feedback of oestrogen on LH release in ovariectomized rats

1993 ◽  
Vol 139 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Salicioni ◽  
R. W. Carón ◽  
R. P. Deis
Keyword(s):  
Ovariectomized Rats ◽  
Adrenal Steroids ◽  
Serum Progesterone ◽  
Oestrogen Treatment ◽  
Ovx Rats ◽  
Serum Lh ◽  
Oestradiol Benzoate ◽  
Lh Release ◽  
Lh Secretion

ABSTRACT There is evidence that the adrenals play a role in the regulation of the synthesis and release of gonadotrophins in various vertebrates. The aim of this study was to determine the part played by adrenal steroids, with special reference to progesterone, on the concentration of LH in ovariectomized (OVX) and oestrogen-primed rats. OVX rats received a single s.c. injection of vehicle or oestradiol benzoate (OB, 20 μg/rat). This day was designated as day 0. Three or four days later (day 3–day 4), the rats were treated with mifepristone (10 mg/kg) or with two doses of progesterone antiserum and blood samples were obtained at 13.00 and 18.00 h. OB treatment of OVX rats reduced serum LH at 13.00 h and 18.00 h on day 3 but only at 13.00 h on day 4. The administration of mifepristone at 08.00 h to OVX and oestrogen-treated rats induced a significant increase in serum LH at 18.00 h on days 3 and 4, without modifying the values at 13.00 h. When mifepristone was given at 13.00 h a much larger increase in serum LH was obtained at 18.00 h. In OVX and oestrogen-treated rats, adrenalectomy on day 2 (08.00–09.00 h) induced an increase in serum LH at 18.00 h similar to that observed in the OVX and oestrogen-primed rats after mifepristone treatment. In order to determine the specificity of the effect of mifepristone, a group of OVX and oestrogentreated rats was injected with progesterone antiserum at 08.00 and 13.00 h on day 3. Serum LH concentrations at 13.00 and 18.00 h on day 3 were similar to values obtained in OVX rats treated with oestrogen and mifepristone. Serum progesterone was measured at 08.00 and 13.00 h in OVX and OVX and oestrogenprimed rats. At both times, values were similar in OVX rats but oestrogen treatment significantly increased serum progesterone levels. The important role of adrenal progesterone on the regulation of LH secretion in OVX and oestrogen-primed rats is evident from these results. Blocking progesterone action at the receptor level, we showed that OB significantly increased LH values at 18.00 h. On the basis of these studies it is tempting to speculate on the possibility of an inhibitory or stimulatory effect of oestrogen on serum LH concentration in OVX rats, according to the presence or absence of adrenal progesterone action. Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 139, 253–258

INDUCTION OF PROLACTIN AND LUTEINIZING HORMONE RELEASE BY HISTAMINE IN MALE AND FEMALE RATS AND THE INFLUENCE OF BRAIN TRANSMITTER ANTAGONISTS

1978 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. O. DONOSO
Keyword(s):  
Prolactin Secretion ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Intraventricular Injection ◽  
Hormone Release ◽  
Stimulatory Action ◽  
Male And Female Rats ◽  
Oestradiol Benzoate ◽  
Lh Release

The levels of prolactin and LH in the plasma of rats were determined at various times after intraventricular injection of histamine. Doses of 5 and 60 μg histamine (free base) in male rats, anaesthetized with ether, induced an increase in the level of prolactin in the plasma, whilst producing a slight decrease in the concentration of LH. Injection of 5 μg histamine at 14.00 h into female rats at all stages of the oestrous cycle caused prolactin to be released; the effect was greatest at oestrus and at day 1 of dioestrus. Histamine also gave rise to a marked increase in the level of LH in the plasma when administered to pro-oestrous rats, but had no effect when injected at the other stages of the oestrous cycle. The effect of histamine on the release of prolactin in ovariectomized, oestradiol benzoate: progesterone-primed (OVX,OB:P) rats was found to be dose-related, and the level of LH in the plasma was increased by as little as 1·25 μg. Pretreatment with adrenergic (phenoxybenzamine and propranolol) and cholinergic (atropine) antagonists failed to block the stimulatory effects of histamine on prolactin secretion, but pretreatment with methysergide (serotonin antagonist) increased the histamine-induced release of prolactin in male rats. Antagonists did not modify the response of prolactin to histamine in OVX,OB:P-primed rats. The histamine-induced release of LH in OVX,OB:P-primed rats was slightly reduced by pretreatment with phenoxybenzamine, propranolol and atropine, but not by methysergide. These results indicate that histamine facilitates the release of prolactin. The stimulatory action of histamine on both pro-oestrous and OVX,OB:P-primed but not male rats suggests that histamine may be involved in LH release in the rat. Results obtained in animals pretreated with transmitter antagonists, which were unable to prevent histamine-induced hormone release, suggest that the actions of this amine are not mediated by cholinergic, noradrenergic or serotonergic mechanisms.

EFFECTS OF NALOXONE ON LUTEINIZING HORMONE AND PROLACTIN IN SERUM OF RATS

1980 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. S. BLANK ◽  
A. E. PANERAI ◽  
H. G. FRIESEN
Keyword(s):  
Female Rats ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Ovariectomized Rats ◽  
Serum Prolactin ◽  
Immature Female ◽  
Subcutaneous Injections ◽  
Serum Lh ◽  
Opiate Peptides ◽  
Lh Release ◽  
Lh Secretion

The effects of subcutaneous injections of the opiate antagonist naloxone on the tonic and phasic secretion of prolactin and LH were studied in rats. During development, resting levels of prolactin in serum were decreased by naloxone (2·5 mg/kg body wt) on days 24,45 and 50 in female rats and on days 28,45 and 50 in male rats. In the adult, naloxone (2·5 mg/kg body wt) decreased basal levels of serum prolactin in male rats and levels during oestrus in female rats. In 25-day-old female rats, serum LH rose from resting levels within 7·5 min of naloxone administration (2·5 mg/kg body wt) and returned to pretreatment levels by 30 min, while prolactin fell by 7·5 min and remained low for as long as 60 min after treatment. Furthermore, a tenfold lower dose of naloxone (0·25 mg/kg body wt) did not raise basal levels of serum LH but still decreased resting levels of serum prolactin in immature female rats (24 days old). The effect of naloxone (2·5 mg/kg body wt) on phasic LH release was studied in 29-day-old immature female rats primed on day 27 with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG). In these PMSG-treated rats the onset of the prolactin surge was blunted by naloxone while it had no effect on phasic LH release. Naloxone (5 mg/kg body wt) also induced a rise in levels of serum LH in ovariectomized rats and, if administered with morphine, it reversed the short-term inhibition of LH secretion caused by morphine. However, naloxone was ineffective after pretreatment with oestradiol benzoate. These findings suggest that the responses of serum LH and prolactin to naloxone were dissociated and that oestrogens and opiate peptides may have interacted to regulate secretion of LH.

Dissociation between the ovarian factors controlling sexual receptivity and preovulatory secretion of LH in cyclic female rats

1987 ◽  
Vol 112 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Södersten ◽  
P. Eneroth
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Ovariectomized Rats ◽  
Sexual Receptivity ◽  
Serum Progesterone ◽  
Lh Surge ◽  
Oestradiol Benzoate ◽  
Lh Release ◽  
Lh Secretion ◽  
Intact Rats

ABSTRACT Ovariectomy and treatment with oestradiol benzoate (10 μg OB) on the day before behavioural oestrus eliminated the preovulatory surge of LH and reduced the level of sexual receptivity on the following day. Sexual behaviour, but not the LH surge, was restored by progesterone (0·5 mg) given 18 h later. Injection of OB on the day after behavioural oestrus induced a small release of LH and normal sexual behaviour on the following day. Ovariectomy on the day after behavioural oestrus reduced the stimulatory effect of OB on sexual behaviour and eliminated its weakly stimulatory effect on LH release. Sexual behaviour, but not the small LH surge, was restored in these animals by progesterone (0·5 mg) given 18 h later. Treatment of rats ovariectomized 2 days before the day of the LH surge with implants containing oestradiol or injections of oestradiol (1 μg) induced LH surges but the amplitudes of these LH surges were much smaller than those of the normal LH surge. Treatment of intact rats with OB increased serum progesterone levels 24 h later, an effect which was eliminated by ovariectomy. Injections of LH (20 μg) into intact rats on the day after behavioural oestrus also increased serum progesterone concentrations but failed to stimulate sexual behaviour. It is suggested that OB treatment of intact rats on the day after behavioural oestrus stimulates sexual behaviour by inducing a surge of LH secretion which activates ovarian secretion of progesterone. Thus, oestrogen and progesterone but not the LH surge are essential for sexual behaviour. Whereas oestradiol and progesterone restore normal sexual behaviour in ovariectomized rats, additional ovarian factors may be required for induction of normal LH surges. J. Endocr. (1987) 112, 133–138

EFFECTS OF ANTI-OESTROGEN TREATMENT OF NEONATAL MALE RATS ON LORDOSIS BEHAVIOUR AND MOUNTING BEHAVIOUR IN THE ADULT

1978 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. SÖDERSTEN
Keyword(s):  
Testosterone Propionate ◽  
Neonatal Rat ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Glans Penis ◽  
Male Rat ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Oestrogen Treatment ◽  
Oestradiol Benzoate ◽  
Sexual Glands ◽  
Lordosis Behaviour

Male rats were treated daily with 100 μg of the anti-oestrogen ethamoxytriphetol (MER-25) or oil during the first 10 days of life and tested for lordosis behaviour and mounting behaviour as intact adults, after castration and after castration and oestradiol benzoate or testosterone propionate treatment. The MER-25-treated rats showed higher levels of lordosis behaviour than oil-treated rats in all four treatment groups. Under each of these endocrine conditions, except after castration alone, the MER-25-treated rats showed a reduced capacity to ejaculate. Treatment of the neonatal rat with MER-25 reduced body weight in adulthood but did not change the weight of the accessory sexual glands, the testes, the number of cornified papillae on the glans penis or plasma testosterone concentrations during development. The response of the accessory sexual glands and cornified papillae on the glans penis to treatment with oestradiol benzoate or testosterone propionate after castration in adulthood was unaffected by treatment with MER-25. It is suggested that formation of oestrogen in the neonatal male rat brain from testosterone in the circulation inhibits the capacity to show lordosis behaviour and facilitates the capacity to ejaculate in response to gonadal hormone treatment in adulthood.

Potentiation of prostaglandin E2-induced release of LH by the prostaglandin analogue, 7-oxa-13-prostynoic acid

1981 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-304
Author(s):  
Jørgen Warberg
Keyword(s):  
Binding Site ◽  
Hormone Secretion ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Stimulatory Action ◽  
Minimal Effective Dose ◽  
Lh Release ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Intraventricular Infusion ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Stimulation Of

Abstract. The prostaglandin (PG) analogue 7-oxa-13-prostynoic acid (7-OPA) was infused into a lateral ventricle of the brain of adult male rats and the effect of the analogue on a subsequent stimulation of LH release by intraventricular infusion of PG's was determined. Pre-treatment of the animals with 44–132 μg of 7-OPA potentiated the stimulatory effect of 2 μg PGE2 on the release of LH but the analogue alone had no effect on the hormone secretion. The minimal effective dose of PGE2 was determined to be within the range 0.01–0.05 μg and it was found that priming with 132 μg of 7-OPA caused a formerly sub-threshold dose (0.01 μg) of PGE2 to become an effective stimulus for the release of LH. In contrast to its potentiating effect on PGE2-induced LH release 7-OPA did not alter the stimulatory action of PGF2α (2 μg) on the secretion of LH. 7-OPA had no effect on LRH-induced release of LH indicating that the PG analogue acts at a suprapituitary site to enhance PGE2-induced LH release. The potentiating effect of 7-OPA may be exerted at a binding site for PGE2 in the brain and the results suggest the existence of a different binding site for PGF2α. The possibility also exists that 7-OPA inhibit metabolic inactivation of PGE2.

Neuropharmacological analysis of the control of LH secretion in gonadectomized male and female rats: altered hypothalamic responses to inhibitory neurotransmitters in long-term castrated rats

1988 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. F. X. Almeida ◽  
K. E. Nikolarakis ◽  
A. Herz
Keyword(s):  
Opioid Receptor ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Dopaminergic Agonists ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Opioid Agonists ◽  
Male And Female Rats ◽  
Lh Release ◽  
Lh Secretion

ABSTRACT The control of LHRH and LH by neurotransmitters and neuromodulators such as the endogenous opioid peptides is essentially the same in intact adult male and female rats: adrenergic and dopaminergic agonists stimulate LH release and opioid agonists inhibit it. Several weeks after gonadectomy, however, the contribution of the endogenous ligands of adrenergic, dopaminergic and opioidergic receptors to the control of LHRH is altered. A detailed pharmacological analysis in long-term ovariectomized females confirmed previous reports that adrenergic and dopaminergic agonists still enhance secretion of LHRH and LH and opioid receptor agonists still suppress it. A similar investigation in long-term castrated males also confirmed previous reports that opioid agonists fail to block LH secretion. In addition, we have found that while adrenergic and dopaminergic agonists cause increases in serum concentrations of LH, adrenoreceptor and dopamine receptor antagonists do not inhibit LH release in long-term castrates. Furthermore, the opioid antagonist naloxone does not raise serum LH levels in either sex after long-term gonadectomy. These observations therefore imply reduced opioidergic, dopaminergic and adrenergic transmission, in relation to LHRH release, after longterm castration. In addition, opioid receptor activity (assessed by responsiveness to an opioid receptor agonist) of female rats is maintained, whereas that of male rats is lost, after long-term gonadectomy. J. Endocr. (1988) 119, 15–21

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