Mechanisms responsible for suppression of FSH and LH during lactation in the rat

1991 ◽  
Vol 129 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Taya ◽  
S. Sasamoto
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
The Other ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
Ovarian Steroids ◽  
Unilateral Ovariectomy ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Lh Secretion ◽  
Ovarian Inhibin ◽  
Venous Plasma

ABSTRACT Mechanisms responsible for suppression of FSH and LH secretion during lactation were investigated in rats, with special reference to the suckling stimulus and ovarian inhibin. Concentrations of immunoreactive inhibin in the peripheral plasma and bioactive inhibin in ovarian venous plasma were always low on days 3 and 5 of lactation in dams nursing eight pups, whereas values were always high on days 17 and 20 of lactation in dams nursing eight pups and on day 5 of lactation in dams nursing two pups. There was an FSH surge within 48 h after removal of litters on days 3 and 5 of lactation in dams nursing eight pups, whereas plasma concentrations of FSH were unchanged within 48 h by removal of litters on days 17 and 20 of lactation in dams nursing eight pups and on day 5 of lactation in dams nursing two pups. Plasma LH concentrations increased significantly compared with those of control animals within 24 h after removal of the litter on any day of lactation, regardless of the litter size. Plasma FSH levels increased within 6 h after bilateral or unilateral ovariectomy in lactating rats only on the days when plasma concentrations of inhibin were high before ovariectomy, such as day 17 of lactation in dams nursing eight pups and on day 5 of lactation in dams nursing two pups, whereas the mean concentrations of plasma LH showed no significant increase within 12 h after bilateral ovariectomy in these lactating rats. Treatment with progesterone or oestradiol-17β after unilateral ovariectomy did not inhibit the increase in plasma FSH levels, while the increase in plasma concentrations of FSH after surgery was completely inhibited by injecting inhibin (porcine follicular fluid). Treatment with steroid hormones inhibited the basal levels of LH in unilateral ovariectomized lactating rats. Plasma FSH concentrations increased sharply within 6 h after a single i.v. injection of anti-inhibin serum on days 10, 15 and 20 of lactation in dams nursing eight pups and on day 5 of lactation in dams nursing two pups, whereas only a small but significant increase in concentrations of FSH was noted 6 h after the antiserum treatment on day 5 of lactation in dams nursing eight pups. Concentrations of plasma LH were unchanged by treatment with antiserum in lactating rats throughout lactation. These findings indicate that the suckling stimulus, rather than ovarian factors, is mainly responsible for the suppression of FSH as well as LH secretion during the first half of lactation in rats nursing eight pups. On the other hand, during the second half of lactation in rats nursing eight pups and throughout lactation in rats nursing two pups, ovarian inhibin plays a primary role in the suppression of FSH secretion, whereas ovarian steroids act to suppress LH secretion. Journal of Endocrinology (1991) 129, 119–130

Studies of the oestrous cycle, oestrus and pregnancy in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Reproduction ◽  
2000 ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
SD Johnston ◽  
MR McGowan ◽  
P O'Callaghan ◽  
R Cox ◽  
V Nicolson
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
The Mean ◽  
High Concentrations

As an integral part of the development of an artificial insemination programme in the captive koala, female reproductive physiology and behaviour were studied. The oestrous cycle in non-mated and mated koalas was characterized by means of behavioural oestrus, morphology of external genitalia and changes in the peripheral plasma concentrations of oestradiol and progestogen. The mean (+/- SEM) duration of the non-mated oestrous cycle and duration of oestrus in 12 koalas was 32.9 +/- 1.1 (n = 22) and 10.3 +/- 0.9 (n = 24) days, respectively. Although the commencement of oestrous behaviour was associated with increasing or high concentrations of oestradiol, there were no consistent changes in the morphology or appearance of the clitoris, pericloacal region, pouch or mammary teats that could be used to characterize the non-mated cycle. As progestogen concentrations remained at basal values throughout the interoestrous period, non-mated cycles were considered non-luteal and presumed anovulatory. After mating of the 12 koalas, six females gave birth with a mean (+/- SEM) gestation of 34.8 +/- 0.3 days, whereas the remaining six non-parturient females returned to oestrus 49.5 +/- 1. 0 days later. After mating, oestrous behaviour ceased and the progestogen profile showed a significant increase in both pregnant and non-parturient females, indicating that a luteal phase had been induced by the physical act of mating. Progestogen concentrations throughout the luteal phase of the pregnant females were significantly higher than those of non-parturient females. Parturition was associated with a decreasing concentration of progestogen, which was increased above that of basal concentrations until 7 days post partum.

Diurnal changes in the plasma concentrations of LH and hypothalamic contents of LHRH-I and LHRH-II in the domestic hen

1991 ◽  
Vol 130 (3) ◽  
pp. 457-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. C. Wilson ◽  
R. T. Gladwell ◽  
F. J. Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Concentration ◽  
Diurnal Rhythm ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Posterior Hypothalamus ◽  
Anterior Hypothalamus ◽  
Diurnal Changes ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Times ◽  
Lh Secretion

ABSTRACT Diurnal changes of LH secretion in sexually immature hens of 9, 11, 13 and 15 weeks of age consisted of 25–40% increases in the mean concentrations of LH in plasma between 15.00 and 18.00 h, i.e. between 2 h before and 1 h after the onset of darkness. During this time there was a tendency for the mean contents of LHRH-I in the anterior hypothalamus and posterior hypothalamus to increase by 21–74% and 20–56% respectively. In hens of 9 and 15 weeks, diurnal changes in the plasma concentration of LH closely paralleled those of LHRH-I content in the posterior hypothalamus. In contrast, the diurnal rhythm of LH secretion in hens of 11 and 13 weeks was more marked and plasma concentrations of LH continued to rise steeply between 18.00 and 21.00 h, i.e. between 1 and 4 h after the onset of darkness. At 11 weeks, this was associated with a reduction (P<0·01) in the contents of LHRH-I and LHRH-II, particularly in the anterior hypothalamus. In laying hens, a diurnal decline (P<0·01) in the plasma concentration of LH between 1 and 4 h after the onset of darkness was preceded by a fall (P<0·05) in the content of LHRH-I in the posterior hypothalamus and in the total hypothalamic content of LHRH-II (P<0·01). In all groups of hens, irrespective of the times of day at which tissue was taken, significant (P<0·05–<0·001) correlations between the contents of LHRH-I and LHRH-II in the anterior hypothalamus were observed. It is concluded that a diurnal rhythm of release of LHRH-I may drive the diurnal rhythm of LH secretion. Thus, in sexually immature hens of 9 and 15 weeks and laying hens in which diurnal changes in plasma LH were small there were parallel changes in the content of LHRH-I in the posterior hypothalamus. However, where the plasma concentration of LH was increased substantially, as at 11 weeks, there was a decline in the hypothalamic contents of LHRH-I. A simultaneous fall in the hypothalamic content of LHRH-II raises the possibility of a causal relationship between the activities of LHRH-II, LHRH-I and the release of LH. Journal of Endocrinology (1991) 130, 457–462

Possible existence of a long-loop feedback system between FSH and inhibin in female rats

1981 ◽  
Vol 240 (5) ◽  
pp. E544-E549 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. V. DePaolo ◽  
L. D. Anderson ◽  
A. N. Hirshfield
Keyword(s):  
Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Feedback System ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Ether Anesthesia ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
Loop Feedback ◽  
Ovarian Inhibin ◽  
Venous Plasma

Experiments were designed in which peripheral plasma inhibin levels were presumably altered in an attempt to investigate an interdependency between pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and ovarian inhibin secretion. In the first study, unilateral ovariectomy (ULO) was performed on 4-day cycling female rats under ether anesthesia at 0800 h on diestrous day 1 (D1). Inhibin-like activity [FSH-inhibiting activity(FSH-IA)] in untreated ovarian venous plasma (OVP) collected from the remaining ovary was assessed by an in vitro pituitary bioassay system. Both plasma FSH levels and FSH-IA significantly increased between 4 and 12 h after ULO. Thereafter, plasma FSH declined between 12 and 32 h after ULO, whereas FSH-IA remained elevated during this same time interval. Compared to sham-operated rats, plasma FSH was significantly elevated 4, 12, and 24 h after ULO, whereas FSH-IA was statistically higher only at 32 h after ULO. In a second experiment, rats were injected with charcoal-treated porcine follicular fluid (PFF) on proestrus and estrus. Control rats received saline. The data indicate that increased plasma FSH levels on D1 in PFF-treated rats (FSH rebound) may be a consequence of reduced endogenous inhibin secretion on estrus. As well, return of FSH to control levels on D2 in PFF-treated rats may have resulted from an FSH-associated increase in FSH-IA on D1 and D2.

DETERMINATION OF DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE AND DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULPHATE IN HUMAN PLASMA USING ELECTRON CAPTURE DETECTION OF 4-ANDROSTENE-3,6,17-TRIONE AFTER GAS-LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

1972 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 461-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. H. de JONG ◽  
H. J. van der MOLEN
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Chromatography ◽  
Electron Capture ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Electron Capture Detection ◽  
Gas Liquid Chromatography ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
Competitive Protein Binding ◽  
The Mean

SUMMARY A method for the measurement of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) and of its sulphate (DHAS) in human peripheral plasma is described and evaluated. After isolation of DHA from the sample the steroid is oxidized to 4-androstene-3,6,17-trione, which is measured with an electron capture detector after gas—liquid chromatography. It is possible to detect 100 pg 4-androstene-3,6,17-trione. The smallest amount of DHA per sample that can be distinguished from zero is approximately 4 ng, when recovery (27·9 ± 8·8%) and method blank (0·23 ± 0·38 ng) are taken into account. The oxidation to 4-ene-3,6-diones is specific for steroidal 5-en-3-ols. Specificity for DHA is ensured by several chromatographic steps. Repeated estimation of 10 ng DHA gave a mean value of 9·6 ± 1·45 (s.d.) ng (n = 35). Mean concentrations and their standard deviations for DHA and DHAS in peripheral plasma from 18 individuals were 0·50 ± 0·25 and 78 ± 40 μg/100 ml, respectively, at 08.30 h and 0·32 ± 0·17 and 84 ± 34 μg/100 ml, respectively, at 17.00 h of the same day. Levels of plasma cortisol in the same plasma samples estimated with a competitive protein-binding method were 16·7 ± 1·8 and 11·9 ± 3·8 μg/100 ml, respectively. No significant differences between the sexes were observed by any of the three assays. The mean values of the plasma concentrations of cortisol and DHA in the morning were significantly higher than those in the evening (P < 0·001 and P < 0·005, respectively). In contrast, the mean value of the plasma levels of DHAS in the morning was significantly lower than that in the evening (P < 0·025).

Effects of oestradiol, progesterone and androstenedione on the pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone in ovariectomized ewes during spring and autumn

1983 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. B. Martin ◽  
R. J. Scaramuzzi ◽  
J. D. Henstridge
Keyword(s):  
Luteinizing Hormone ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Negative Feedback ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Pulse Frequency ◽  
The Other ◽  
Ovarian Steroids ◽  
Pulsatile Secretion ◽  
Lh Secretion

The effects of oestradiol-17β, androstenedione, progesterone and time of the year on the pulsatile secretion of LH were tested in ovariectomized Merino ewes (n = 32). The steroids were administered by small subcutaneous implants, and the LH pulses were observed in samples taken at intervals of 15 min for 12 h in spring 1979, autumn 1980 and spring 1980, seasons corresponding to successive periods of anoestrus, breeding season and anoestrus. During spring, oestradiol alone was able to reduce the frequency of the LH pulses, while progesterone, either alone or in combination with oestradiol, had little effect. During autumn, on the other hand, neither oestradiol nor progesterone could significantly reduce the frequency of the pulses when administered independently, whereas the combined treatment was very effective. Androstenedione had no significant effect on pulse frequency at either time of the year, either alone or in any combination with oestradiol and progesterone. The basal levels of LH, over which the pulses are superimposed, were reduced by oestradiol alone in both seasons. Progesterone alone had no consistent effects, but interacted significantly with oestradiol and this combined treatment maintained low basal levels most effectively at all times. Androstenedione had no significant effect. The amplitude of the pulses increased throughout the course of the experiment. Within seasons, the amplitudes were significantly higher in the presence of oestradiol and progesterone, but were not significantly affected by androstenedione. It was concluded that certain of the ovarian steroids exert negative feedback on the tonic secretion of LH primarily by reducing the frequency of the pulses, and that the changes in LH secretion attributable to season and phases of the oestrous cycle can be accounted for entirely by the responses of the hypothalamus to oestradiol and progesterone. The role of the androstenedione secreted by the ovary in the ewe remains obscure.

Induced development of ovulatory follicles during the early stages of lactation by the administration of LH in the rat

1988 ◽  
Vol 116 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Taya ◽  
S. Sasamoto
Keyword(s):  
Important Determinant ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
The Other ◽  
Follicular Maturation ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Ovulatory Follicles ◽  
And Control ◽  
Venous Plasma

ABSTRACT To determine whether failure of follicular maturation during the early stages of lactation in rats is due to inadequate LH stimulation, lactating rats nursing eight pups were injected twice daily for 1–3 days (days 2–5 of lactation) with various doses of ovine LH. Follicular maturation was determined by the ability of the follicles to ovulate in response to 10 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), endogenous oestradiol-17β and inhibin production. Ovulation was not induced in control animals in response to 10 IU hCG given between days 2 and 5 of lactation. On the other hand, an injection of 10 IU hCG could induce ovulation in LH-treated animals, in which 25 and 50 μg LH per injection were given s.c. from days 2 to 5 of lactation. Concentrations of oestradiol-17β and inhibin activity in ovarian venous plasma increased progressively after the administration of LH, indicating that induced development of ovulatory follicles had occurred. Plasma concentrations of FSH declined in LH-treated animals compared with those in control animals. The decrease in plasma concentrations of FSH was not observed when lactating rats were ovariectomized before the first injection of LH, indicating that ovarian products, probably inhibin, from developing follicles may suppress the secretion of FSH from the pituitary gland. In both LH-treated and control animals, concentrations of prolactin and progesterone remained increased during the period of LH administration. The present results, therefore, suggest that the plasma levels of LH are an important determinant of follicular maturation during lactation in rats. J. Endocr. (1988) 116, 115–122

HUMAN TESTIS DOES NOT SECRETE OESTRONE SULPHATE

1982 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. C. W. WU ◽  
I. A. SWANSTON ◽  
T. B. HARGREAVE ◽  
D. T. BAIRD
Keyword(s):  
Isotope Dilution ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Human Testis ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
Oestrone Sulphate ◽  
Antecubital Vein ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Peripheral Conversion ◽  
Venous Plasma

The concentrations of five steroids in samples of spermatic venous blood collected from 17 men undergoing ligation of varicocoeles were compared with those in samples from the antecubital vein. There was evidence of testicular secretion of testosterone, androstenedione, oestradiol-17β and oestrone, since the ratios of the mean concentrations in spermatic venous plasma to those in peripheral venous plasma were 77·2, 9·1, 28·7 and 1·6 respectively. The testicular secretion of oestrone sulphate was minimal; the ratio of the mean concentrations in spermatic and peripheral plasma was 1·07. These results support the view derived from isotope dilution studies that almost all oestrone and oestrone sulphate in the circulation is derived from peripheral conversion of other precursor steroids.

Effects of tamoxifen on concentrations of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in the plasma of ovariectomized ewes

1983 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. J. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Tamoxifen Treatment ◽  
Similar Response ◽  
Lh Surge ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
Mediated Effects ◽  
Tamoxifen Citrate ◽  
Oestradiol Benzoate ◽  
Antagonist Action ◽  
Lh Secretion

The effects of tamoxifen on peripheral plasma concentrations of gonadotrophins were studied in ovariectomized ewes. First, ovariectomized ewes were injected (i.m.) with 10 mg tamoxifen citrate/day for 4 days which caused a significant reduction in plasma LH concentrations within 4 days and plasma FSH concentrations within 1 day of the commencement of treatment. Further groups of ovariectomized ewes were then injected (i.m.) with two injections of 10 mg tamoxifen citrate 6 h apart or 20 μg oestradiol benzoate (OB) or tamoxifen citrate plus OB or oil. Tamoxifen treatment caused a reduction in plasma LH and FSH concentrations within 6 h. In four of our ewes receiving OB, a surge in LH secretion was observed; a similar response was observed in two out of four ewes given the combination of tamoxifen citrate and OB. No LH surge was seen in ovariectomized ewes given tamoxifen alone. These results show that tamoxifen reduces plasma gonadotrophin levels in ovariectomized ewes suggesting it is an oestrogen agonist in the sheep pituitary gland. A partial oestrogen antagonist action of tamoxifen is similarly suggested by its ability to block the oestrogen-induced LH surge in some ovariectomized ewes. Since tamoxifen consistently lowers plasma gonadotrophin levels in ovariectomized ewes this could result from action via oestrogen receptors or by central nervous system, non-oestrogen receptor-mediated effects.

Effect of estradiol on the secretion of LH in the GnRH-pretreated rat after treatment with the GnRH-antagonist, Org 30093

1988 ◽  
Vol 119 (4) ◽  
pp. 582-588
Author(s):  
G. A. Schuiling ◽  
N. Valkhof ◽  
T. R. Koiter
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Gnrh Antagonist ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Estradiol Benzoate ◽  
The Other ◽  
Gnrh Analogue ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Pituitary Glands ◽  
Lh Secretion

Abstract. LH responses induced in the long-term ovariectomized rat by GnRH or GnRH agonistic analogue are augmented by E2. The augmentation by E2 does not occur during, but after termination of GnRH pretreatment. In this study it was investigated whether the augmenting effect of E2 develops also in the GnRH-pretreated rat when the animals were treated with GnRH antagonistic analogue. Two weeks after ovariectomy rats were treated for 10 days with 250 ng GnRH/h (GnRH-rats), released by sc implanted osmotic minipumps. Control rats received a Silastic 'sham pump'. Rats were simultaneously treated with solvent (oil) or estradiol benzoate (EB, 3 μg, sc). Each group of rats was divided into two subgroups, one receiving solvent, the other the GnRH antagonist, Org 30093 (ANT, 100 μg/injection) on 3 consecutive days. In Experiment 1, the pituitary LH content and the LH secretion following stimulation with the agonistic GnRH analogue buserelin, were measured, in Experiment 2, the plasma concentrations of LH before and after cessation of ANT treatment. The effects of treatment with GnRH, EB and ANT were studied on the basis of 1) the height of the maximal LH response and 2) the halfmaximally effective dose (ed 50) of buserelin. Experiment 1 revealed that GnRH depleted the pitutiary gland to about 42% of its original LH content. In EB-treated GnRH-rats the depletion was even stronger (to 14%). After ANT treatment, the pituitary glands of the GnRH-rats were (partly) repleted (oil: to 65%; EB: to 31%). ANT and EB had no effect on the pituitary LH content in control rats. EB increased the maximal LH response in control rats but not in GnRH-rats. ANT increased the maximal LH response to buserelin in oil-injected control rats as well as in oil- and EB-treated GnRH-rats. In these latter two groups, the increase of the maximal LH response was equally large. However, there was an effect of EB on the ed 50 of buserelin during ANT treatment, the pituitary gland of the EB-treated GnRH-rats had become more sensitive to GnRH. Experiment 2 revealed that GnRH pretreatment reduced the plasma LH concentrations to about 49% of the control levels. EB and ANT, too, lowered the plasma LH concentrations (to about 25%). Neither EB nor ANT, alone or in combination, changed the plasma LH concentrations in GnRH-rats. After cessation of ANT treatment, the plasma LH levels of the oil-injected control rats slowly returned to pretreatment levels, but those of the EB-treated control rats remained suppressed. In the GnRH-rats the reverse was seen: after cessation of ANT treatment, peaks of LH appeared in the plasma of the EB-treated rats, but not in the oil-injected. It is concluded that 1) treatment with ANT is not fully equivalent to termination of GnRH administration because it antagonizes the effects of GnRH only in part: 2) ANT has an intrinsic augmenting effect on the pituitary GnRH-responsiveness, and 3) owing to E2-induced sensitization of the pituitary gland, peaks of LH appear in the plasma of GnRH-rats but not of control rats after termination of ANT treatment.

CONCENTRATION OF OESTRADIOL, PROGESTERONE, LUTEINIZING HORMONE AND FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE IN THE JUGULAR VENOUS PLASMA OF EWES DURING THE OESTROUS CYCLE

1977 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. C. PANT ◽  
C. R. N. HOPKINSON ◽  
R. J. FITZPATRICK
Keyword(s):  
Luteinizing Hormone ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Phase 3 ◽  
Ovarian Steroids ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Two Peaks ◽  
Distinct Increase ◽  
Venous Plasma

SUMMARY Changes in the concentrations of ovarian steroids and pituitary gonadotrophins were measured by radioimmunoassay in the jugular plasma of six Clun Forest ewes throughout the oestrous cycle. The concentration of oestradiol began to rise 12–14 h before the onset of oestrus from values of 11·2 ± 0·36 (s.e.m.) pg/ml during the luteal phase to 21·1 ± 2·01 pg/ml at −8 to 0 h (oestrus). There was no distinct increase during the luteal phase. Circulating progesterone varied in a cyclic manner with the highest values at the mid-luteal phase (3·70 ± 0·28 ng/ml; n = 28). In five out of six ewes the concentration was still quite high (1·86 ± 0·43 ng/ml) at 35 h before the onset of oestrus. The concentration declined rapidly thereafter, reaching minimum values about 12 h before oestrus coincident with the increase in oestradiol concentration. Plasma LH increased from very low values of 2·59 ± 0·09 ng/ml during the luteal phase to 75·3 ± 7·4 ng/ml about 9 h after the onset of oestrus. Two peaks of plasma FSH concentration were detected after the onset of oestrus. The first peak (171·0± 35·5 ng/ml) coincided with the LH peak and the second (133·0 ± 10·7 ng/ml) occurred about 24 h later at a time when LH values were low. The mean FSH concentration at other times during the cycle was 61·9 ± 2·8 ng/ml.

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