scholarly journals Direct stimulatory effect of ghrelin on pituitary release of LH through a nitric oxide-dependent mechanism that is modulated by estrogen

Reproduction ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 133 (6) ◽  
pp. 1223-1232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Fernández-Fernández ◽  
Manuel Tena-Sempere ◽  
Juan Roa ◽  
Juan Manuel Castellano ◽  
Víctor M Navarro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Gonadotropin Secretion ◽  
Minimal Effective Dose ◽  
Gh Secretion ◽  
Lh Secretion

Ghrelin, a gut peptide with key actions on food intake and GH secretion, has been recently recognized as potential regulator of reproductive function. Thus, in adult female rats, ghrelin has been proven to modulate GnRH/LH secretion, with predominant inhibitory effectsin vivo. We analyze herein potential direct pituitary effects of ghrelin on basal and GnRH-stimulated gonadotropin secretion in prepubertal female rats, and its interplay with ovarian inputs, nitric oxide (NO), and hypothalamic differentiation. In the experimental setting, pituitaries from intact and ovariectomized prepubertal female rats were challenged with ghrelinin vitroand LH secretion was monitored. Our results demonstrate that 1) ghrelin consistently stimulatedin vitropituitary LH secretion under different experimental conditions; 2) the sensitivity to ghrelin, expressed either as the minimal effective dose or the amplitude of the LH response, was modulated by ovarian inputs; 3) the blockade of estrogen action significantly augmented the stimulatory effect of ghrelin; 4) the stimulatory effect of ghrelin on LH secretion required proper NO synthesis; and 5) the ability of ghrelin to elicit LH secretionin vitrowas preserved after alteration (masculinization) of brain sexual differentiation. Overall, our present data reinforce the concept that ghrelin participates in the control of LH secretion, with potential stimulatory actions at the pituitary level that require the presence of NO and are modulated by ovarian signals.

Characterization of the inhibitory roles of RFRP3, the mammalian ortholog of GnIH, in the control of gonadotropin secretion in the rat: in vivo and in vitro studies

2010 ◽  
Vol 299 (1) ◽  
pp. E39-E46 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Pineda ◽  
D. Garcia-Galiano ◽  
M. A. Sanchez-Garrido ◽  
M. Romero ◽  
F. Ruiz-Pino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Gonadotropin Secretion ◽  
Male And Female Rats ◽  
Sites Of Action ◽  
Lh Secretion

RF-amide related peptides (RFRP), as putative mammalian orthologs of the avian gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), have been proposed as key regulators of gonadotropin secretion in higher vertebrates. Yet considerable debate has arisen recently on their physiological relevance and potential mechanisms and sites of action. Present studies were undertaken to further characterize the effects of RFRP on LH and FSH secretion by a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches in male and female rats. Initial screening via intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of different analogs of RFRP1 (RFRP1–12 and RFRP1–20) and RFRP3 (RFRP3–8 and RFRP3–17), as well as the related neuropeptide FF (NPFF8), to gonadectomized (GNX) female rats evidenced significant, albeit modest, inhibitory effects on LH secretion only for RFRP3–8 and RFRP3–17, which were detectable at the high dose rage (1 nmol for RFRP3–8, 5 nmol for RFRP3–17). This moderate inhibitory action was also documented after icv administration of RFRP3–8 to intact and GNX male rats. In addition, systemic (intravenous) administration of RFRP3–8 decreased the circulating levels of both gonadotropins in GNX male rats. Likewise, RFRP3–8 inhibited basal and GnRH-stimulated LH secretion by pituitaries from GNX males in vitro. This inhibitory effect was blocked by the antagonist of RFRP receptors, RF9. In summary, our results support a putative inhibitory role of RFRP3 as ortholog of GnIH in the regulation of gonadotropin secretion in mammals, which appears to involve direct pituitary actions as well as potential central (hypothalamic) effects.

scholarly journals Mechanisms for altered reproductive function in female rats following neonatal administration of raloxifene

2004 ◽  
pp. 397-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Tena-Sempere ◽  
ML Barreiro ◽  
E Aguilar ◽  
L Pinilla
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Estrogenic Activity ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Female Rat ◽  
Lhrh Agonist ◽  
Neonatal Administration ◽  
Lh Secretion

OBJECTIVE: Raloxifene is a non-steroidal selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that mimics estrogenic activity on bone density and blood lipid concentration without uterotropic actions. Previous data from our laboratory indicated that, as is the case for estrogen, neonatal administration of raloxifene disturbed normal differentiation of the hypothalamic circuitries governing the gonadotropic axis. In contrast, raloxifene did not act in the same way as estrogen does on the neuronal systems controlling sexual receptivity in the female rat. At present, however, the mechanisms for these organizing effects of raloxifene are not completely elucidated. DESIGN AND METHODS: To analyze this phenomenon, female rats were injected daily with raloxifene (50, 100, 250 or 500 microg/rat per day) between days 1 and 5 of age. On day 23, hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (LHRH) mRNA expression was assessed, and pituitary and plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were measured in basal and LHRH-stimulated conditions. In addition, LH and FSH responses to ovariectomy were evaluated in raloxifene-treated females. Finally, we monitored the ability of neonatal administration of a potent LHRH agonist ([d-Ala(6),d-Gly(10)]-LHRH ethylamide; 0.01 microg/kg per 12 h on days 1-5) to counteract the effects of raloxifene. RESULTS: Our analyses demonstrated that prepubertal rats (23-day-old females) treated neonatally with raloxifene showed decreased hypothalamic LHRH mRNA expression levels, reduced pituitary content of LH and FSH, reduced basal and LHRH-stimulated LH secretion in vivo and in vitro, and decreased response to ovariectomy. In addition, adult females treated neonatally with raloxifene showed anovulation and reduced serum LH levels; these effects were not prevented by the simultaneous administration of a LHRH agonist. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our data demonstrate that neonatal administration of raloxifene can disrupt the programming of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis function. Reduced LH secretion, under basal and LHRH-stimulated conditions and after ovariectomy, is probably related to decreased LHRH expression, reduced pituitary LH content and/or decreased pituitary responsiveness to hypothalamic LHRH.

Dichotomic action of glucocorticoids on growth hormone secretion

1987 ◽  
Vol 116 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koji Nakagawa ◽  
Tatsuya Ishizuka ◽  
Takao Obara ◽  
Miyao Matsubara ◽  
Kazumasa Akikawa
Keyword(s):  
Hormone Secretion ◽  
Growth Hormone Secretion ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Pituitary Cells ◽  
Gh Secretion ◽  
Normal Rat ◽  
Rat Pituitary Cells

Abstract. The mechanism of apparently discrepant actions of glucocorticoids (GC) on GH secretion, in vivo suppression and in vitro potentiation, was studied in rats. Dexamethasone (Dex), at the concentration of 50 nmol/l, Potentiated basal and GHRH-stimulated GH release from monolayer culture of normal rat pituitary cells in 48 h. On the other hand, in vivo administration of Dex, 165 μg daily for 3 days, consistently suppressed serum GH levels in female rats. In these rats, the hypothalamic content of immunoreactive (IR) SRIH was significantly increased, whereas that of IR-GHRH was significantly decreased in comparison with the untreated rats. Bioassayable GH-releasing activity was also lower in Dex-treated rats. These findings indicate that the suppressing effect of GC on GH release in vivo is, at least partially, due to the increase in hypothalamic SRIH release and probably also to the decrease in GHRH release, and these effects surpass the potentiating effect of GC on GH release at the pituitary level, resulting in a net inhibitory effect in vivo.

scholarly journals Characterization of the Potent Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Activity of KiSS-1 Peptide, the Natural Ligand of GPR54

Endocrinology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 146 (1) ◽  
pp. 156-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. M. Navarro ◽  
J. M. Castellano ◽  
R. Fernández-Fernández ◽  
S. Tovar ◽  
J. Roa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Excitatory Amino Acid ◽  
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Central Administration ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Gonadotropin Secretion ◽  
Neuroendocrine Control ◽  
Lh Secretion

Loss-of-function mutations of the gene encoding GPR54, the putative receptor for the KiSS-1-derived peptide metastin, have been recently associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, in both rodents and humans. Yet the actual role of the KiSS-1/GPR54 system in the neuroendocrine control of gonadotropin secretion remains largely unexplored. To initiate such analysis, the effects of KiSS-1 peptide on LH secretion were monitored using in vivo and in vitro settings under different experimental conditions. Central intracerebroventricular administration of KiSS-1 peptide potently elicited LH secretion in vivo over a range of doses from 10 pmol to 1 nmol. The effect of centrally injected KiSS-1 appeared to be mediated via the hypothalamic LHRH. However, no effect of central administration of KiSS-1 was detected on relative LHRH mRNA levels. Likewise, systemic (ip and iv) injection of KiSS-1 markedly stimulated LH secretion. This effect was similar in terms of maximum response to that of central administration of KiSS-1 and might be partially attributed to its ability to stimulate LH secretion directly at the pituitary. Finally, the LH-releasing activity of KiSS-1 was persistently observed after blockade of endogenous excitatory amino acid and nitric oxide pathways, i.e. relevant neurotransmitters in the neuroendocrine control of LH secretion. In summary, our results provide solid evidence for a potent stimulatory effect of KiSS-1 on LH release, acting at central levels (likely the hypothalamus) and eventually at the pituitary, and further document a novel role of the KiSS-1/GPR54 system as a relevant downstream element in the neuroendocrine network governing LH secretion.

Effects of Ghrelin upon Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and Gonadotropin Secretion in Adult Female Rats: In vivo and in vitro Studies

2005 ◽  
Vol 82 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 245-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Fernández-Fernández ◽  
Manuel Tena-Sempere ◽  
Víctor M. Navarro ◽  
María L. Barreiro ◽  
Juan M. Castellano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adult Female ◽  
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone ◽  
In Vitro Studies ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Gonadotropin Secretion ◽  
Releasing Hormone

scholarly journals Changes in RFamide-Related Peptide-1 (RFRP-1)-Immunoreactivity During Postnatal Development and the Estrous Cycle

Endocrinology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 155 (11) ◽  
pp. 4402-4410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara R. Jørgensen ◽  
Mille D. Andersen ◽  
Agnete Overgaard ◽  
Jens D. Mikkelsen
Keyword(s):  
Postnatal Development ◽  
Estrous Cycle ◽  
Third Ventricle ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Relative Distribution ◽  
Gonadotropin Secretion ◽  
Related Peptide

Abstract GnRH is a key player in the hypothalamic control of gonadotropin secretion from the anterior pituitary gland. It has been shown that the mammalian counterpart of the avian gonadotropin inhibitory hormone named RFamide-related peptide (RFRP) is expressed in hypothalamic neurons that innervate and inhibit GnRH neurons. The RFRP precursor is processed into 2 mature peptides, RFRP-1 and RFRP-3. These are characterized by a conserved C-terminal motif RF-NH2 but display highly different N termini. Even though the 2 peptides are equally potent in vitro, little is known about their relative distribution and their distinct roles in vivo. In this study, we raised an antiserum selective for RFRP-1 and defined the distribution of RFRP-1-immunoreactive (ir) neurons in the rat brain. Next, we analyzed the level of RFRP-1-ir during postnatal development in males and females and investigated changes in RFRP-1-ir during the estrous cycle. RFRP-1-ir neurons were distributed along the third ventricle from the caudal part of the medial anterior hypothalamus throughout the medial tuberal hypothalamus and were localized in, but mostly in between, the dorsomedial hypothalamic, ventromedial hypothalamic, and arcuate nuclei. The number of RFRP-1-ir neurons and the density of cellular immunoreactivity were unchanged from juvenile to adulthood in male rats during the postnatal development. However, both parameters were significantly increased in female rats from peripuberty to adulthood, demonstrating prominent gender difference in the developmental control of RFRP-1 expression. The percentage of c-Fos-positive RFRP-1-ir neurons was significantly higher in diestrus as compared with proestrus and estrus. In conclusion, we found that adult females, as compared with males, have significantly more RFRP-1-ir per cell, and these cells are regulated during the estrous cycle.

scholarly journals Characterization of the Potent Gonadotropin-Releasing Activity of RF9, a Selective Antagonist of RF-Amide-Related Peptides and Neuropeptide FF Receptors: Physiological and Pharmacological Implications

Endocrinology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 151 (4) ◽  
pp. 1902-1913 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Pineda ◽  
D. Garcia-Galiano ◽  
M. A. Sanchez-Garrido ◽  
M. Romero ◽  
F. Ruiz-Pino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Female Rats ◽  
Central Administration ◽  
Gonadotropin Secretion ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Selective Antagonist ◽  
Male And Female Rats ◽  
Neuropeptide Ff ◽  
Gonadotropin Inhibitory Hormone

Identification of RF-amide-related peptides (RFRP), as putative mammalian orthologs of the avian gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone, has drawn considerable interest on its potential effects and mechanisms of action in the control of gonadotropin secretion in higher vertebrates. Yet, these analyses have so far relied mostly on indirect approaches, while direct assessment of their physiological roles has been hampered by the lack of suitable antagonists. RF9 was recently reported as a selective and potent antagonist of the receptors for RFRP (RFRPR) and the related neuropeptides, neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and neuropeptide AF (NPFF receptor). We show here that RF9 possesses very strong gonadotropin-releasing activities in vivo. Central administration of RF9 evoked a dose-dependent increase of LH and FSH levels in adult male and female rats. Similarly, male and female mice responded to intracerebroventricular injection of RF9 with robust LH secretory bursts. In rats, administration of RF9 further augmented the gonadotropin-releasing effects of kisspeptin, and its stimulatory effects were detected despite the prevailing suppression of gonadotropin secretion by testosterone or estradiol. In fact, blockade of estrogen receptor-α partially attenuated gonadotropin responses to RF9. Finally, systemic administration of RF9 modestly stimulated LH secretion in vivo, although no direct effects in terms of gonadotropin secretion were detected at the pituitary in vitro. Altogether, these data are the first to disclose the potent gonadotropin-releasing activity of RF9, a selective antagonist of RFRP (and NPFF) receptors. Our findings support a putative role of the RFRP/gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone system in the central control of gonadotropin secretion in mammals and have interesting implications concerning the potential therapeutic indications and pharmacological effects of RF9.

Correlation between the activity of liver enzymes and the LD50 of parathion in the rat

1970 ◽  
Vol 48 (12) ◽  
pp. 829-831 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.-G. Alary ◽  
J. Brodeur
Keyword(s):  
Adult Male ◽  
Liver Enzymes ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
In Vitro Degradation ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Male And Female Rats

A study was undertaken to investigate a possible correlation between the acute LD50 of parathion, in weanling and adult male and female rats, and the activity of the liver enzymes involved in the in vitro metabolism of parathion and its toxic oxygen analogue, paraoxon. A close relationship was found in adult male and female rats, as well as in adult females pretreated with phenobarbital, between the LD50 and the rate of in vitro degradation of parathion by the liver under experimental conditions in which both oxidative and hydrolytic metabolism occur. On the same basis, immature rats appeared to be more sensitive to parathion than was to be expected from the ability of their livers to metabolize parathion in vitro. It is concluded that the rate of in vitro degradation of parathion by the liver is a satisfactory index of the in vivo toxicity of parathion in adult rats, but not in immature animals.

Effect of 2-substituted oestrogens in vivo on the metabolism of noradrenaline in rat brain

1982 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Köster ◽  
H. Breuer ◽  
H. Th. Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Brain Regions ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Ovariectomized Rats ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Metabolic Pattern ◽  
Metabolism Of Noradrenaline ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Lh Secretion

Abstract. The effects of oestradiol-17β, 2-hydroxyoestradiol-17β and 2-methoxyoestradiol-17β on the metabolism of [3H]noradrenaline were studied in various brain regions of ovariectomized rats in vivo. Under the experimental conditions chosen, oestradiol-17β had no effect on the metabolic pattern of noradrenaline. After pre-treatment of ovariectomized rats with 2-hydroxyoestradiol-17β, the formation of methylated metabolites of noradrenaline (normetanephrine and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol sulphate) was reduced, whereas that of non-methylated products (3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol sulphate) was increased. The inhibition of methylation was most pronounced in posterior hypothalamus and less significant in anterior hypothalamus and thalamus. Pre-treatment with 2-methoxyoestradiol-17β yielded inconsistent results. From the findings described here it may be concluded that 2-hydroxyoestradiol-17β, as previously shown in vitro, also affects the metabolism of noradrenaline in vivo by directly interacting with the catechol-O-methyltransferase. It is suggested that this metabolic effect may be responsible - at least to some extent - for the inhibitory effect of 2-hydroxyoestradiol-17β on LH secretion.

scholarly journals Role of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptors in the control of prolactin, growth hormone and gonadotropin secretion in prepubertal rats

1999 ◽  
Vol 162 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
LC Gonzalez ◽  
L Pinilla ◽  
M Tena-Sempere ◽  
E Aguilar
Keyword(s):  
Ampa Receptors ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Kainate Receptors ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Gonadotropin Secretion ◽  
Gh Secretion ◽  
Pituitary Secretion ◽  
Prepubertal Rats ◽  
Lh Secretion

Excitatory amino acids, such as glutamate, constitute a major transmitter system in the control of hypothalamic-pituitary secretion. Different subtypes of glutamate receptors, such as NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartic acid) and KA (kainate) receptors, are involved in the control of anterior pituitary secretion. Other receptor subtypes, such as AMPA (activated by alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid) and metabotropic receptors, have been identified, although their role in the control of neuroendocrine function remains largely unknown. Recent reports have demonstrated the involvement of AMPA receptors in the control of the steroid-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in female and growth hormone (GH) secretion in male rats. The aim of this study was to assess the potential role of AMPA receptors in the control of GH, prolactin (PRL), LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion in prepubertal 23-day-old rats. To this end, prepubertal female rats were injected with AMPA (2.5 or 5 mg/kg i.p.) or the antagonist of AMPA receptors 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-nitro-2, 3-dioxo-benzo (f) quinoxaline-7-sulfonamide (NBQX; 0.25 or 0.50 mg/kg i.p.). Serum LH and FSH concentrations and hypothalamic LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) content remained unchanged after AMPA or NBQX administration. In contrast, serum PRL levels significantly decreased 15, 30 and 60 min after i.p. administration of AMPA and increased 120 min after NBQX treatment, whereas serum GH levels increased after AMPA treatment and decreased after NBQX administration. Considering that AMPA has been shown to activate a subset of kainate receptors, its effects were compared with those elicited by 2.5 mg/kg KA in prepubertal female rats. At this age, however, KA was unable to reproduce the effects of AMPA on PRL and GH secretion, thus suggesting that the actions observed after AMPA administration were carried out specifically through AMPA receptors. In addition, as the effects of AMPA on LH secretion in adult females have been proved to be steroid-dependent, the effects of AMPA (2.5 mg/kg) and NBQX (0.5 mg/kg) were tested in prepubertal animals with different gonadal backgrounds, i.e. intact males, and intact and ovariectomized (OVX) females. The effects of AMPA in prepubertal females appeared to be modulated by ovarian secretion, as the inhibition of PRL secretion disappeared and LH secretion was partially suppressed by AMPA in OVX animals whereas the stimulatory effect on GH release was enhanced by ovariectomy. Furthermore, in male rats, AMPA administration significantly decreased PRL secretion and increased serum GH levels, the amplitude of the GH response being higher than in prepubertal females. To ascertain the pituitary component for the reported actions of AMPA, hemi-pituitaries of male rats were incubated in the presence of AMPA (10(-8)-10(-6) M). The results obtained showed no effect of AMPA on PRL, GH and gonadotropin secretion in vitro. Finally, we investigated the involvement of the dopaminergic (DA) system in the inhibitory action of AMPA on PRL secretion. Pre-treatment of prepubertal female rats with a dopamine receptor antagonist (domperidone: 1 mg/kg) resulted in the blockage of AMPA-mediated inhibition of PRL secretion, thus suggesting that this action is probably mediated by an increase in DA activity. In conclusion, we provide evidence for the physiological role of AMPA receptors in the control of PRL and GH secretion in prepubertal rats. In contrast, our data cast doubts on the involvement of AMPA receptors in the regulation of gonadotropin secretion at this age. The effects of AMPA reported herein were not mediated through activation of kainate receptors and were probably exerted at the hypothalamic or suprahypothalamic levels. In addition, we show that ovarian secretion actively modulates the effects of AMPA receptor activation on anterior pituitary secretion in prepubertal female rats.

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