SEASONAL AND CIRCADIAN CHANGES IN THE EPISODIC RELEASE OF FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE, LUTEINIZING HORMONE AND TESTOSTERONE IN RAMS EXPOSED TO ARTIFICIAL PHOTOPERIODS

1977 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. LINCOLN ◽  
M. J. PEET ◽  
R. A. CUNNINGHAM
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Activity Cycle ◽  
Maximum Size ◽  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Seasonal Development ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Dark Phase ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Circadian Changes ◽  
Short Days

SUMMARY Six rams of an ancient breed of domesticated sheep (Soay) were subjected to an artificial light régime of alternating periods of long days (16 h light:8 h darkness) and short days (8 h light: 16 h darkness) which induced seasonal development and regression of the testes during a period of 36 weeks. Over 2000 blood samples were taken, and the changes in plasma levels of FSH, LH and testosterone were related to the cycle of testicular activity. During long days plasma levels of gonadotrophins became very low and the testes regressed to about 20% of their maximum size; there was a corresponding reduction in plasma testosterone levels. When the rams were returned to short days reproductive development was again stimulated after 2–3 weeks with a progressive increase in plasma FSH and LH levels and consequent hypertrophy of the testes. It took about 16 weeks of short days for testicular activity to become maximal. Blood samples collected at hourly intervals for 24 h on ten occasions during the study revealed transitory peaks in plasma FSH and LH levels indicative of episodic release. Changes in gonadotrophin secretion were modulated primarily by alterations in the frequency of episodic release; < 1 spike per 24 h during long days increased to a maximum of 10 spikes/24 h under short daylengths. The peaks of FSH release were of smaller amplitude than those of LH, although during periods of frequent episodic release basal levels of FSH were increased to a greater extent than those of LH. A circadian rhythm was observed in the plasma levels of FSH, LH and testosterone, which was related to increased gonadotrophin release during the dark phase of the 24 h cycle; changes in blood haematocrit were also observed. The circadian changes appeared to be correlated with the activity cycle of the animals which in turn was dictated by daylight. A possible interrelationship between the circadian cycle and the seasonal cycle is discussed.

PLASMA TESTOSTERONE LEVELS FOLLOWING SURGICAL STRESS IN MALE PATIENTS

1970 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Matsumoto ◽  
K. Takeyasu ◽  
S. Mizutani ◽  
Y. Hamanaka ◽  
T. Uozumi
Keyword(s):  
Postoperative Period ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Surgical Stress ◽  
Control Level ◽  
Major Surgery ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Testosterone Levels ◽  
Competitive Protein Binding ◽  
Male Patients

ABSTRACT Plasma testosterone levels were determined by the competitive protein binding method of Mayes & Nugent (1968) with slight modifications, in 20 male patients in whom moderate or major surgery had been performed. Preoperative (control) and postoperative blood samples were obtained at 8 a. m. except for immediate postoperative samples. There was a significant decrease in the plasma levels of testosterone immediately and 2 days after moderate and major surgery. The level of testosterone returned toward the control level on the sixth postoperative day after moderate surgery, while after major surgery, the decreased plasma testosterone was maintained for at least 6 days. It is suggested that testicular secretion of testosterone seems to decrease during the postoperative period.

Effects of Meal Form and Composition on Plasma Testosterone, Cortisol, and Insulin Following Resistance Exercise

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard J. Bloomer ◽  
Gary A. Sforzo ◽  
Betsy A. Keller
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Exercise ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Weight Training ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Muscle Growth ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Training Protocol

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of postexercise feeding on plasma levels of insulin, testosterone, cortisol, and testosteronexortisol (T:C). Ten experienced, resistance trained males (20.7 ± 0.95 years) were given whole food (WF: protein 38 g; carbohydrate 70 g; fat 7 g), a supplemental drink (SD; isocaloric and isonitrogenous to WF), an isocaloric carbohydrate beverage (C), or a placebo beverage (P) immediately, 2 and 4 hours after a standardized weight training protocol on 4 days, each separated by 1 week, in a repeated measures design. Subjects also received a standardized meal at 7 and 12 hours postexercise. Insulin, testosterone, and cortisol were measured pre-exercise and during 24 hours of recovery (at 0.5,2.5,4.5,8, and 24 hours) using venous blood samples. Significant (condition × time) interactions were found for insulin, testosterone, and T:C, but not for cortisol (p < .05). The SD yielded a greater response for insulin than all other conditions. Conversely. P demonstrated the greatest values for testosterone and T:C at 2.5 and 4.5 hours postexercise. Cortisol did not vary between conditions and there were no condition effects for insulin, testosterone, cortisol, and T:C at 8 or 24 hours. In conclusion, the efficacy of postexercise feeding for optimizing T:C and muscle growth is unclear; however, consumption of SD appears to maximize circulating insulin for several hours following resistance exercise.

PHOTOPERIODIC CONTROL OF GONADOTROPHIN SECRETION IN THE RAM: A DETAILED STUDY OF THE TEMPORAL CHANGES IN PLASMA LEVELS OF FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE, LUTEINIZING HORMONE AND TESTOSTERONE FOLLOWING AN ABRUPT SWITCH FROM LONG TO SHORT DAYS

1977 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 355-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. LINCOLN ◽  
M. J. PEET
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Photoperiodic Response ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Artificial Lighting ◽  
Lighting Conditions ◽  
Gonadotrophin Secretion ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Lh Rh ◽  
Short Days

SUMMARY Six adult Soay rams were housed under artificial lighting conditions of long days (16 h light: 8 h darkness) for 4 months and this caused the animals to lapse into a state of reproductive quiescence with low levels of gonadotrophins in the circulation and regressed testes secreting very low amounts of testosterone. The photoperiod was changed abruptly to short days (8 h light: 16 h darkness) to induce a resurgence of sexual activity, and a detailed study was made of the pituitary and testicular responses over the first 100 days. Plasma levels of LH and FSH first began to increase between days 6 and 12 of short days, and rose progressively until days 33–54 before declining again. Testicular growth of the rams began on days 19–26 and continued for most of the remaining period of study. Plasma testosterone levels rose in parallel with the growth of the testes, and were greatly increased by day 100 when gonadotrophin levels were reduced. At most stages there were short-term fluctuations in the plasma levels of FSH, LH and testosterone indicative of episodic secretion. Peaks in plasma levels of LH were especially conspicuous and from the changes in frequency and amplitude of these peaks it was possible to predict the way in which photoperiod influenced gonadotrophin secretion by its effect on hypothalamic LH-RH secretion. A slight 24 h rhythm in the plasma levels of all three hormones was observed, and the significance of this in relation to the photoperiodic response is discussed.

INFLUENCE OF PHOTOPERIOD ON THYROTROPIN RELEASING HORMONE-INDUCED PROLACTIN RELEASE IN EWES

1983 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. E. HOWLAND ◽  
D. SONYA ◽  
L. M. SANFORD ◽  
W. M. PALMER
Keyword(s):  
Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone ◽  
Day Length ◽  
Constant Light ◽  
Serum Prolactin ◽  
Prolactin Release ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Releasing Hormone ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Release Curve ◽  
Short Days

The influence of photoperiod on serum prolactin levels and prolactin release induced by thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) was determined in ewes maintained under the following lighting regimes: Room 1, lighting mimicked natural changes in photoperiod; Room 2, annual photoperiod changes condensed into 6 mo with short days in June; Room 3, same as Room 2 except photoperiod changed abruptly from 16.5 to 8.0 h on 21 Mar. and back to 16.5 h on 21 June; Room 4, constant light. Weekly blood samples were obtained from February to August. Additionally, blood samples were collected before and after treatment with 10 μg TRH on 19 May, 13 June, 27 June and 19 July. Prolactin levels were elevated in ewes exposed to long days or constant light. The mean of all pre-TRH samples was significantly correlated with stress-induced elevations in prolactin (highest pre-TRH value) (r = 0.72) and area under the TRH-induced release curve (r = 0.56). The prolactin release in response to TRH was greatest in ewes exposed to long days or constant light. Abrupt increase of day length elevated pretreatment prolactin levels (P < 0.01) and increased area under the response curve (P < 0.05). Key words: Photoperiod, TRH, prolactin, ewes

Episodic ovarian inhibin secretion is not due to LH pulses in anoestrous ewes

1989 ◽  
Vol 123 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. K. Campbell ◽  
A. S. McNeilly ◽  
D. T. Baird
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Single Injection ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
A Site ◽  
Ovarian Inhibin ◽  
Secretion Rates

ABSTRACT In sheep, secretion of oestradiol by the ovary is stimulated by pulses of LH but the factors controlling ovarian inhibin secretion are not well understood. We have investigated the effect of a single injection of LH on the ovarian secretion of inhibin. Six anoestrous Finn–Merino ewes which had one ovary autotransplanted to a site in the neck had jugular and timed ovarian venous blood samples collected at 10-min intervals for a total of 5 h. The secretion rates of both inhibin (1–3 ng/min) and oestradiol (0·5–8 ng/min) were similar to those observed during the breeding season indicating significant follicular development in these animals. After injection of 2·5 μg NIH-LH-S25 intravenously the concentration of LH in plasma rose from a baseline of 1·8 ±0·1 (s.e.m.) μg/l to a peak of 3·9 ±0·3 μg/l (P<0·01). This LH pulse stimulated a corresponding increase (P<0·01) in oestradiol secretion from a basal level of 0·9±0·2 ng/min to a peak of 4·6±0·6 ng/min that occurred within 30 min of injection. Although inhibin secretion was episodic in nature, increases were not related to either exogenous or endogenous LH pulses. We conclude that, in contrast to oestradiol, the secretion of inhibin by the ovary is not controlled acutely by changes in plasma levels of LH during anoestrus. Journal of Endocrinology (1989) 123, 173–179

Development of the shoot apex of blue spruce (Piceapungens)

1977 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 614-620 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Young ◽  
James W. Hanover
Keyword(s):  
Shoot Apex ◽  
Continuous Light ◽  
Scale Formation ◽  
Seasonal Development ◽  
Bud Break ◽  
Blue Spruce ◽  
Bud Set ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Short Days ◽  
Needle Primordia

Blue spruce (Piceapungens Engelm.) seedlings grown in a nursery for 1 to 5 years and seedlings grown from seed in a greenhouse under continuous light for 2 to 6 months were studied to determine (1) time to bud set on transfer to short days, (2) time to bud-break on subsequent transfer to long days, and (3) the anatomy of the dormant shoot apex. Seasonal development of the shoot apex of a single 50-year-old blue spruce was also monitored.Time to but set on transfer to short days decreased after long periods under continuous light. Time to budbreak on subsequent transfer to long days increased with increasing age in nursery- and greenhouse-grown seedlings. The dormant shoot apex became more highly differentiated as the nursery-grown seedlings aged from 1 to 3 years, then showed no significant difference after 3 years of age.The 50-year-old blue spruce initiated many new needles in the current bud before bud scale formation, which began in mid-May. Needle primordia initiation in the new bud began in late June and slowed down in late August. Apical dome diameter increased and decreased concurrently with the increase and decrease in rate of needle primordia initiation.

PHOTOPERIODIC MODULATION OF GONADOTROPHIN SECRETION IN CASTRATED JAPANESE QUAIL

1982 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. F. URBANSKI ◽  
B. K. FOLLETT
Keyword(s):  
Japanese Quail ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Neural Mechanisms ◽  
Gonadal Steroids ◽  
Photoperiodic Control ◽  
Gonadotrophin Secretion ◽  
Lh Secretion ◽  
Sexually Mature ◽  
Short Days

Male Japanese quail were castrated when sexually immature and immediately exposed to one of the following stimulatory lighting regimes for 52 days: 11 h light: 13 h darkness/day (11L : 13D), 12L : 12D, 13L : 11D, 14L : 10D, 15L : 9D, 16L : 8D, 20L : 4D or 23L : 1D. One group was retained on short days (8L : 16D). Clearcut differences in the plasma levels of LH and FSH emerged between the various groups. Levels remained very low in castrated quail on 8L : 16D but were much greater in those on 14L : 10D, 15L : 9D, 16L : 8D, 20L : 4D and 23L : 1D, eventually becoming 15 to 20 times higher. Less pronounced castration responses developed on 13L : 11D, 12L : 12D or 11L : 13D. Alterations in photoperiod after day 52 caused an appropriate rise or fall in LH secretion. Photoperiodically induced suppressions were rapid, being highly significant within 4 days, but increases usually had a slower time course. When sexually mature quail (on 16L : 8D) were castrated and transferred to 8L : 16D they also exhibited a rapid suppression in LH secretion. Thus in quail, unlike some mammals, the photoperiodic control over gonadotrophin secretion is independent of the reproductive status of the animal at the time of castration. The results confirm the view that changes in sensitivity of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis to gonadal steroids are not a primary factor in the neural mechanisms underlying photoperiodism in quail.

Inhibin immunoneutralization by antibodies raised against synthetic peptide sequences of inhibin α subunit: effects on gonadotrophin concentrations and ovulation rate in sheep

1990 ◽  
Vol 124 (1) ◽  
pp. 167-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. H. M. Wrathall ◽  
B. J. McLeod ◽  
R. G. Glencross ◽  
A. J. Beard ◽  
P. G. Knight
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Synthetic Peptide ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Antigenic Properties ◽  
N Terminus ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACT Two experiments were conducted to explore the effectiveness of synthetic peptide-based vaccines for active and passive autoimmunization of sheep against inhibin. In the first experiment, adult Romney ewes (n = 20) were actively immunized against a synthetically produced peptide that corresponded to the N-terminus of the α-subunit of bovine inhibin (bIα(1–29)-Tyr30). This peptide was conjugated to tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) to increase its antigenic properties. Control groups comprised non-immunized (n = 10) and PPD-immunized (n = 10) ewes. Primary immunization (400 μg conjugate/ewe) was followed by two booster immunizations (200 μg conjugate/ewe), given 5 and 8 weeks later. Following synchronization of oestrus using progestagen sponges, ovulation rates were assessed by laparoscopy. Weekly blood samples were taken throughout the experiment. All inhibin-immunized ewes produced antibodies which bound 125I-labelled bovine inhibin (Mr 32 000), and ovulation rate in inhibin-immunized ewes (2·15 ± 0·22; mean ± s.e.m.) was significantly (P<0·01) greater than in both non-immunized (0·90 ± 0·23) and PPD-immunized (1·20 ± 0·13) control groups. Immunization against the peptide, but not against PPD alone, resulted in a modest rise in plasma FSH, with mean levels after the second boost being significantly (P<0·025) higher (22%) than those before immunization. Moreover, when blood samples were taken (2-h intervals) from randomly selected groups of control (n = 7) and inhibin-immunized (n = 7) ewes for an 84-h period following withdrawal of progestagen sponges, the mean plasma concentration of FSH during the 48 h immediately before the preovulatory LH surge was 37% greater (P< 0·025) in immunized than in control animals. However, more frequent blood sampling (every 15 min for 12 h) during follicular and mid-luteal phases of the oestrous cycle revealed no significant differences between treatment groups in mean plasma concentrations of FSH. In addition, neither mean concentrations of LH nor the frequency and amplitude of LH episodes differed between immunized and control ewes. However, the mean response of LH to a 2 μg bolus of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, given during the luteal phase, was significantly (P<0·05) less in immunized than in control ewes. These findings indicate that active immunization of Romney ewes against a synthetic fragment of inhibin can promote a controlled increase in ovulation rate, but this response cannot be unequivocally related to an increase in plasma levels of FSH. In the second experiment, passive immunization of seasonally anoestrous ewes (mule × Suffolk crossbred; n = 6 per group) against inhibin, using an antiserum raised in sheep against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the N-terminus of the α-subunit of human inhibin promoted a rapid (<3 h), dose-dependent rise in plasma levels of FSH which remained increased (2·5-fold; P<0·001) for up to 30 h. Plasma concentrations of LH, however, were unaffected by treatment with the antiserum. It is deduced from this observation that, even in the seasonally anoestrous ewe, the ovary secretes physiologically active levels of inhibin, which exert an inhibitory action on the synthesis and secretion of FSH. Journal of Endocrinology (1990) 124, 167–176

THE EFFECT OF INTRAVENOUSLY ADMINISTERED HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN ON PLASMA LEVELS OF TESTOSTERONE AND 5α-DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE IN NORMAL MALE SUBJECTS

1973 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 615-624 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Maurer ◽  
U. Volkwein ◽  
J. Tamm
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Initial Phase ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Normal Male ◽  
Peripheral Conversion ◽  
Male Subjects

ABSTRACT HCG was infused intravenously into normal male subjects. The doses administered were 500, 100 and 50 IU, respectively. During the initial phase of the infusions the plasma testosterone (T) levels decreased. Thirty minutes after starting the infusion of 500 and 100 IU HCG, respectively, the plasma testosterone increased. Significantly elevated values were observed 60 to 180 minutes after the cessation of HCG administration. The dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations in the plasma showed a varying pattern. On the average this steroid also exhibited an increase in plasma following the HCG administration. From the results no conclusions can be drawn as to the extent to which the plasma concentrations of DHT have been influenced by a secretion from the testes or by a peripheral conversion of T into DHT.

PROLACTIN IN MAINTENANCE OF THE CORPUS LUTEUM OF EARLY PSEUDOPREGNANCY IN THE GOLDEN HAMSTER

1981 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. H. HARRIS ◽  
B. D. MURPHY
Keyword(s):  
Single Dose ◽  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Golden Hamster ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Progesterone Level ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Samples

The role of prolactin in the maintenance of the corpus luteum of pseudopregnancy was studied in the golden hamster. Nine groups of seven to fourteen animals each received 1 mg bromocriptine at 11.00 h on days 1, 2 or 3 of pseudopregnancy (three groups for each day). On each day of treatment with bromocriptine, one group of hamsters was injected with bovine prolactin 4 h before bromocriptine, and one group received prolactin 4 h before bromocriptine for three consecutive days following treatment with bromocriptine. One group received bromocriptine only. These nine groups were compared with a control group of animals given 0·85% saline instead of bromocriptine and prolactin. Peripheral blood samples were taken from all hamsters at 11.00 h on days 3, 4, 5 and 6 of pseudopregnancy and plasma levels of progesterone were determined by radioimmunoassay. Luteolysis, indicated by a decline in progesterone level by 24 or 48 h after treatment with bromocriptine, occurred in all hamsters given bromocriptine alone, whether it was administered on day 1, 2 or 3. Pretreatment with a single dose of prolactin did not mitigate the bromocriptine-induced fall in progesterone. In the majority of cases, pretreatment with prolactin plus daily doses of prolactin maintained the progesterone at levels not different from saline-treated hamsters. These data suggest that prolactin is a necessary luteotrophin during early pseudopregnancy without which luteolysis ensues.

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