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Effect of dosage and frequency of injection of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone on release of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone in estradiol-treated steers.

The objective was to determine how estradiol (0 vs 1 mg) and changes in the dosage of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH; 1,000 ng/steer vs 1 ng/kg body weight) and frequency of LHRH injection (25 vs 50 min) affect LH and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) release in steers. In steers pretreated with estradiol peak concentrations of LH in serum after LHRH averaged 14.4 ng/ml, which was greater (P less than .001) than peak concentrations in steers given oil (7.4 ng/ml). Increasing the dosage of LHRH from 1 ng/Kg body weight (approximately or equal to 300 ng/steer) to 1,000 ng/steer increased (P less than .001) peak LH values from 7.5 to 14.4 ng/ml. Furthermore, increasing the frequency of LHRH injections from once every 50 min to once every 25 min increased (P less than .001) LH release, but only in steers given estradiol. Estradiol reduced basal concentrations of FSH by 65% and then increased LHRH-induced FSH release by 276% (P approximately .07) relative to values for steers given oil. Only when 1,000 ng LHRH was given every 25 min to steers pretreated with estradiol were LH and FSH release profiles similar to the preovulatory gonadotropin surges of cows in magnitude, duration and general shape. The results demonstrate that increases in the dosage or frequency of LHRH pulses increase LHRH-induced release of LH, but not of FSH. Furthermore, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that in cows, estradiol increases responsiveness of the gonadotrophs to LHRH and then increases the magnitude and frequency of pulses of LHRH secretion beyond basal levels, thereby causing the preovulatory gonadotropin surges.

Animals↗

Alcohol effects on luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone-stimulated luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in female rhesus monkeys.

The effects of acute alcohol administration on anterior pituitary function were studied in eight female rhesus monkeys during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Integrated plasma samples were collected for 80 min before and 120 min after nasogastric intubation of alcohol (2.5 or 3.5 g/kg) or isocaloric sucrose control solution. Synthetic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH; 100 micrograms i.v.) was then administered, and plasma samples were collected for an additional 180 min. After sucrose control administration, LHRH stimulated a significant increase in both LH (P less than .001) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (P less than .004) within 30 and 80 min, respectively. After alcohol administration, LHRH-stimulated LH increased significantly (P less than .001) within 15 min when blood alcohol levels averaged 184 ( +/- 14.3) and 276 ( +/- 14.9)mg/dl. However, FSH levels remained equivalent to base line after alcohol and LHRH administration. The prevention by alcohol of LHRH stimulation of FSH during the follicular phase suggests that alcohol may attenuate normal follicular maturation, which in turn could result in luteal phase inadequacy or anovulation, conditions often observed in alcohol-dependent women and in animal models of alcoholism.

Animals↗

[Growth hormone secretion following administration of growth hormone releasing hormone in constitutional short stature and idiopathic growth hormone deficiency].

A stimulation test using 1 microgram growth-hormone-releasing factor (GRF 1-29 X NH2)/kg bodyweight was performed in children with familial short stature and in children with constitutional delay of growth and development. The GH secretion induced by this means was not different in these groups, but there was a difference in the response between normal children and children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency (GHD). GH secretion after GRF administration was significantly lower in the GHD group than in the other groups. However, 6 of 24 patients with GHD responded to the test with a normal increase in GH (greater than 10 ng/ml), and 11 with an intermediate response (2-10 ng/ml). Thus, the test does not differentiate individual patients with defective growth hormone secretion from normal short children.

Adolescent↗

Simultaneous measurement of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone during estradiol-induced luteinizing hormone surges in the ovariectomized ewe.

Sequential bleeding and push-pull perfusion of the hypothalamus were used to characterize luteinizing hormone (LH) and LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) release in ovariectomized (OVX) ewes after injection of corn oil or estradiol benzoate (EB). Push-pull cannulae were surgically implanted into the stalk median eminences of 24 OVX ewes. Seven to 14 days later each of 20 animals was given an i.m. injection of 50 micrograms EB. Blood samples and push-pull perfusate were collected at 10-min intervals for 6-12 h beginning 12-15 h after EB injection. Four OVX ewes were given i.m. injections of corn oil 7 days after implantation of push-pull cannulae. Blood samples and push-pull perfusate were collected at 10-min intervals for 4 h between 18 and 22 h after injection of corn oil. Luteinizing hormone remained below 2 ng/ml throughout most of the sampling periods in 9 of 20 EB-treated ewes. In 5 of these 9 LHRH also was undetectable, whereas in 4 LHRH was detectable (1.84 +/- 0.29 pg/10 min), but did not increase with time. Preovulatory-like surges of LH occurred in 11 EB-treated ewes, but LHRH was undetectable in 5. In 4 of 6 ewes showing LH surges and detectable LHRH, sampling occurred during the onset of the LH surge.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Effect of human growth hormone-releasing hormone on the release of dynorphin-like immunoreactivity, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone from rat adenohypophysis in vitro.

The effect of GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) on the release of the endogenous opioid dynorphin from rat adenohypophysis was investigated in vitro. Rat anterior pituitary quarters were incubated in vitro, and hormone release into the incubation medium was measured by RIAs. Human pancreatic GHRH [hpGHRH-(1-44)] as well as human Leu27,Gly45-GHRH [GHRH-(1-45)] enhanced the secretion of dynorphin A1-13-like immunoreactivity (Dyn A1-13-IR) in a concentration-dependent manner. The concentrations of hpGHRH-(1-44) that stimulated the release of Dyn A1-13-IR were about 100-fold higher than those that enhanced GH secretion. GH release induced by hpGHRH-(1-44) was blocked by somatostatin (IC50, approximately 10 nM) without affecting hpGHRH-(1-44)-induced release of Dyn A1-13-IR. GH release was elicited by prostaglandin E2, while Dyn A1-13-IR secretion remained unchanged. At concentrations that enhanced Dyn A1-13-IR release, hpGHRH-(1-44) also elicited LH and FSH secretion. The LHRH antagonist D-pGlu1, D-Phe2,D-Trp3,6-LHRH blocked the secretion of Dyn A1-13-IR, LH, and FSH induced by hpGHRH-(1-44), whereas the LHRH antagonist did not influence the simultaneous GH release elicited by hpGHRH-(1-44). A possible direct effect of GHRH on the LHRH receptor was examined in radioligand binding studies using iodinated D-Ala6, des-Gly10-LHRH ethylamide (LHRH-A). The binding of [125I]iodo-LHRH-A to rat anterior pituitary membranes was completely displaced by hpGHRH-(1-44) and GHRH-(1-45). The deduced apparent dissociation constants were about 3 orders of magnitude higher than that of LHRH-A, but were close to those concentrations that enhanced Dyn A1-13-IR release. We conclude that GHRH-induced release of Dyn A1-13-IR is unrelated to GH release. High concentrations of GHRH may interact directly with LHRH receptors on gonadotrophs and thereby enhance the release of LH, FSH, and Dyn A1-13-IR.

Animals↗

Studies on the response of growth hormone (GH) secretion to GH-releasing hormone, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and somatostatin in acromegaly.

The plasma GH response to GH-releasing hormone (GHRH), TRH, or GnRH administration was examined in 25 acromegalic patients. Plasma GH levels increased in 21 patients after GHRH, in 19 after TRH, and in 4 after GnRH. The four GHRH nonresponders had had acromegaly longer than had the GHRH responders. No specific combination of GH responsiveness to these 3 releasing hormones was found among the patients. Infusion of 1 mg GHRH for 150 min gradually increased plasma GH levels, with some fluctuations, from the beginning to the end of infusion in normal subjects and in 7 patients who were GHRH responders, but a bolus injection of 100 micrograms GHRH at the end of the infusion did not further elevate plasma GH levels. These results suggest that desensitization to GHRH occurred in the normal subjects and acromegalic patients. However, in 5 acromegalic patients who responded to both GHRH and TRH, a bolus injection of 500 micrograms TRH given at the end of the 150-min infusion of 1 mg GHRH evoked a further plasma GH rise. In 5 normal subjects and 2 patients who were responders to GHRH but not TRH, a bolus injection of 500 micrograms TRH did not cause plasma GH elevation at the end of 150-min infusion of 1 mg GHRH. These results imply that TRH and GnRH stimulate GH secretion from the adenoma cells in vivo through receptors different from those for GHRH. In vitro studies using cultured pituitary adenoma cells from 2 patients revealed that the responses of GH secretion to GHRH were similar to those in vivo. These data, therefore, suggest that the responsiveness of GH secretion to stimuli is determined by the specificity of the receptors on adenoma cells. The action of somatostatin-28 was more potent than that of somatostatin-14 in the suppression of GH secretion from adenoma cells.

Acromegaly↗

Effects of human pancreatic growth hormone-releasing hormone and fragments of rat hypothalamic growth hormone-releasing hormone on the activity of rat brain neurons.

The effect of human pancreatic growth hormone-releasing factor (hpGRF), rat hypothalamic GRF1-29 (rhGRF1-29) and rhGRF3-40 on spontaneous extracellular activity was studied in urethane anesthetized, male rats. The results show that these peptides similarly depress the firing rate of responsive neurons in the amygdala, caudate-putamen and globus pallidus. A single neuron was excited by hpGRF and it was localized to the medial amygdala. These findings are in line with the hypothesis that GRF has effects on the central nervous system in addition to regulating pituitary growth hormone secretion.

Action Potentials↗

The effect of repeated administration of hexarelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, and growth hormone releasing hormone on growth hormone responsivity.

OBJECTIVE: Hexarelin is a synthetic six-amino-acid compound capable of releasing GH in animals and in man. Its mechanism of action is not understood and little is known about the GH response after repeated administration. The aim of this study was to determine the GH response to the administration of two intravenous boluses of hexarelin, growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) or hexarelin with GHRH. DESIGN: Single boluses of hexarelin (1 microgram/kg), GHRH-(1-29)-NH2 (1 microgram/kg) or hexarelin with GHRH-(1-29)-NH2 were administered intravenously. Each study was performed on two further occasions, with a second bolus being administered 60 or 120 minutes after the first. A control study was performed giving saline intravenously. Studies were performed in a random order. SUBJECTS: Six healthy adult males (25.4-34.1 years) were studied. MEASUREMENTS: Serum GH was measured by radioimmunoassay. GH secretion rates were derived from the measured serum GH concentrations using the technique of deconvolution analysis. RESULTS: The peak GH secretion rate following the first intravenous bolus of hexarelin was greater than that following the first bolus of GHRH-(1-29)-NH2 (P < 0.001), and was greatest following the administration of hexarelin with GHRH-(1-29)-NH2 (P < 0.001). The coadministration of the two secretagogues resulted in peak GH secretion rates significantly greater than the arithmetic sum of those following their isolated administration (P = 0.001), demonstrating synergism. Compared to saline, the administration of a second bolus of hexarelin, GHRH-(1-29)-NH2 or both resulted in significant further GH secretion (P = 0.02, P = 0.002, P = 0.03, respectively). The administration of a second bolus of hexarelin or hexarelin with GHRH-(1-29)-NH2 120 minutes after the first bolus resulted in lower peak GH secretion rates (P = 0.03). The reductions in peak GH secretion rates following the 60-minute boluses were not statistically significant. The peak GH secretion rates following the first GHRH-(1-29)-NH2 boluses were similar to those following the 60 and 120-minute GHRH-(1-29)-NH2 boluses (P = NS). Irrespective of the interval between the boluses of hexarelin with GHRH-(1-29)-NH2, the peak GH secretion rates following the second boluses were not significantly different from the arithmetic sum of those following the administration of the second boluses of hexarelin or GHRH-(1-29)-NH2, indicating loss of synergism on repeated administration. CONCLUSION: This study shows that hexarelin is a potent GH secretagogue active after two successive doses; the magnitude of the GH response to the second dose was influenced by the dosing interval. Hexarelin and GHRH-(1-29)-NH2 are synergistic, a property which is lost after repeated administration. These findings may help our understanding of GHRPs and may have implications for the potential use of hexarelin and other GHRPs as therapeutic agents.

Adult↗

Factors influencing the growth hormone response to growth hormone-releasing hormone in children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors influencing the growth hormone (GH) response to GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) test in idiopathic GH deficiency. METHODS: 28 patients aged 4.9 +/- 0.7 years with certain GH deficiency were given GHRH (2 microg/kg). RESULTS: The GH peak after GHRH was correlated negatively with age at evaluation (r = -0.37, p < 0.05) and body mass index (r = -0.44, p = 0.02), and positively with anterior pituitary height (r = 0.47, p = 0.02), GH peak after non-GHRH stimulation (r = 0.78, p < 0.0001) and spontaneous GH peak (r = 0.82, p = 0.007). It was lower in the patients aged >5 years than in the youngest (p = 0.04), but it was similar in the patients with and without features suggesting a hypothalamic origin. CONCLUSION: The GH response to GHRH test cannot be used to differentiate between hypothalamic and pituitary forms of idiopathic GH deficiency, probably because the GH response decreases after the first 5 years of life, whatever the origin of the deficiency.

Body Height↗

Effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor agonists on the secretion of growth hormone, luteinizing hormone, adrenocorticotrophic hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone from the rat pituitary gland in vitro.

The effects of the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor agonists muscimol and baclofen were investigated on the secretion of GH, LH, ACTH and TSH from the anterior pituitary in vitro using a rapid superfusion system. A bicuculline-sensitive stimulatory effect of muscimol was demonstrated on the secretion of GH, LH and ACTH but not TSH. Baclofen had no effect on the basal secretion of any of the hormones, but inhibited LH-releasing hormone-stimulated release of LH and K+- and Ba2+-stimulated release of ACTH. The benzodiazepine Roll-6896 and the barbiturate secobarbital were found to potentiate the effect of muscimol on GH secretion. These results demonstrate the presence of GABAA receptors on somatotrophs, gonadotrophs and corticotrophs, and the presence of GABAB receptors on gonadotrophs and corticotrophs. Thyrotrophs appear devoid of GABA receptors.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Corticotrophin-releasing hormone does not inhibit growth hormone-releasing hormone-induced release of growth hormone in control subjects but is effective in patients with eating disorders.

Previous studies have shown that corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) inhibits GH secretion in response to GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) in normal women and men, and animal studies suggest that this effect is mediated by an increased release of somatostatin from the hypothalamus. It has been reported that there are abnormalities in the neuroendocrine regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-somatotrophic axis and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis in patients with eating disorders. The present study therefore investigated the ability of CRH to inhibit the GH response to GHRH in eight young women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and in seven young women with eating disorders which were not otherwise specified (NOS). We also compared the effect of CRH in the patients with the response it caused in ten control women. In contrast to a previous report, combined i.v. administration of 50 micrograms human CRH (hCRH) and 50 micrograms GHRH(1-29) caused a GH response in control women which was higher, although not significantly so, than that induced by GHRH alone (area under the curve (AUC) 988.5 +/- 506.0 compared with 1568.4 +/- 795.6 (S.E.M.) ng/ml per 120 min for GHRH alone and GHRH plus hCRH respectively). Conversely, the administration of hCRH given together with GHRH markedly inhibited the GH response induced by the latter in both AN patients (AUC 2253.0 +/- 385.7 compared with 1224.4 +/- 265.7 ng/ml per 120 min for GHRH and GHRH plus hCRH respectively; P < 0.005 and NOS patients (AUC 2827.4 +/- 281.1 compared with 308.5 +/- 183.4 ng/ml per 120 min for GHRH and GHRH plus hCRH respectively; P < 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Characterization of [hydroxyproline9]luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and its smallest precursor forms in immortalized luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone-secreting neurons (GT1-7), and evaluation of their mode of action on pituitary cells.

[Hydroxyproline9]luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone ([Hyp9]LHRH), an endogenous hydroxylated post-translational product of the LHRH sequence, has been isolated from mammalian hypothalamus. Using the LHRH-hypothalamic cell line (GT1-7) of fetal origin, we attempted to define the substrates available for the hydroxylation process during LHRH synthesis and to characterize immunologically the [Hyp9]LHRH and pro-[Hyp9]LHRH forms with anti-LHRH antibodies of different specificities after separation by HPLC. Their biological activity and mode of action were evaluated and compared to that of LHRH and LHRH intermediate precursors in normal pituitary cells and in a gonanodotrope cell line alpha T3-1. immunoreactivity was progressively increased in cells and media during cell culture. [Hyp9]LHRH and its two smallest precursor forms ([Hyp9]LHRH-(Gly11) and -(11-13)) were detected in cells and in media. They were simultaneously detected with the homologous LHRH molecular forms indicating that the hydroxylation occurs early in the processing of pro-LHRH. [Hyp9]LHRH-like molecules were more abundant than LHRH forms in media. This predominant release may thus represent a physiological process occurring during fetal life. Free acid forms of both decapeptides were detected only in cells. Furthermore, the results obtained suggest that conversion of Gln1 in pyroGlu1 occurs before or during processing into the hydroxylated or non-hydroxylated LHRH intermediate (11-13)-precursors. The biosynthetic pathway is thus common for both decapeptides and it is not altered by the hydroxylation process. LHRH and [Hyp9]LHRH shared the same receptor for their biological activity, as assessed by measuring luteinizing hormone release and activation of phospholipase C and A2. [Hyp9]LHRH was, however, less potent than LHRH.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Intranasal administration of growth hormone-releasing hormone(1-29)-NH2 in children with growth hormone deficiency: effects on growth hormone secretion and growth.

The growth-promoting potential of growth hormone-releasing hormone(1-29)-NH2 (GHRH(1-29)-NH2) in a new formulation for intranasal use was examined in a 6-month pilot study of eight short prepubertal children. The maximal plasma concentration of growth hormone (GH) was below 12 micrograms/l in two stimulation tests (arginine, insulin), but above 12 (24-90) micrograms/l after intravenous GHRH, 1 microgram/kg. GHRH, 50 micrograms/kg, was insufflated intranasally three times per day over 6 months. On day 1, GHRH insufflations were followed by distinct GHRH and GH plasma peaks, ranging from 1.2 to 5.4 micrograms/l and from 10 to 85 mIU/l, respectively. Peak amplitudes were variably reduced after 6 weeks in most patients, and further reduced at 6 months. GHRH antibodies (initially negative) were positive in three patients after 6 weeks. The mean knemometric growth rate rose from 0.24 to 0.48 mm/week after 6 weeks of treatment (p = 0.03) and then rapidly declined; the mean 6-month stadiometric height velocity did not increase. Local tolerance was good in one patient; most others reported sneezing immediately after insufflation, rhinorrhoea and mild mucosal burning. Treatment was discontinued in two patients after 6 and 12 weeks. It is concluded that intranasal GHRH, though non-invasive, is not suitable in its present form for use in children, because of decreasing absorption and effectiveness with concomitant development of antibodies and local reactions.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Influence of the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist, deslorelin, on patterns of estradiol-17 beta and luteinizing hormone secretion, ovarian follicular responses to superstimulation with follicle-stimulating hormone, and recovery and in vitro development of oocytes in heifer calves.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of inducing pituitary desensitization by treatment with an LHRH agonist (deslorelin) on reproductive hormone secretion and ovarian follicular status in heifer calves, before and during stimulation with FSH. The recovery and in vitro development of oocytes was also investigated. Brahman (Bos indicus) calves, 6 mo old, received either no treatment from Day 0 to Day 8 and injections of FSH on Days 9, 10, and 11 (controls, n = 10), or bioimplants of deslorelin on Day 0 and injections of FSH on Days 9, 10, and 11 (deslorelin calves, n = 10). Ovarian follicular characteristics were determined on Days -2, 0, and 8 by ultrasonography; follicle sizes (2-4 mm, 5-7 mm, 8-9 mm, or > or = 10 mm) were recorded. Ovaries were removed surgically on Day 12, surface follicle numbers and sizes were recorded, and oocytes were aspirated, graded (A-grade, B-grade, denuded, atretic), and prepared for in vitro fertilization and culture. Blood samples were taken throughout the experiment to monitor plasma concentrations of LH, estradiol-17 beta (estradiol) and progesterone. Treatment with deslorelin desensitized the pituitary in heifer calves and altered patterns of LH and estradiol secretion. There were no apparent consistent effects of deslorelin treatment on follicle numbers and growth. A higher number of combined A-grade and B-grade oocytes were obtained from heifers treated with deslorelin, which, in turn, resulted in twice the number of blastocysts. Treatment with an LHRH agonist provides a model for studying the hormonal requirements for follicle growth and in vivo oocyte maturation in heifer calves.

Analysis of Variance↗

Growth hormone-releasing hormone combined with arginine or growth hormone secretagogues for the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency in adults.

Insulin-induced hypoglycemia (ITT) is currently the "gold-standard" test for the diagnosis of adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD). ITT is often contraindicated, however, particularly in conditions that are also common in patients with suspected GHD. Used alone, GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) has no diagnostic value owing to within-subject variability and the inability to distinguish GHD from normal subjects. When combined with arginine, however, GHRH becomes a potent and reproducible test, which is unaffected by gender and aging, showing excellent specificity. The GHRH+ arginine (ARG) test distinguishes GHD patients from normal subjects and is at least as sensitive as ITT, provided that appropriate cutoff limits are considered. Its reliability for retesting GHD has also been demonstrated. The GHRH+ARG test can also be performed in a shorter procedure, resulting in potential for cost reduction. Synthetic GH secretagogues (GHSs) possess a strong and reproducible GH-releasing effect and synergize with GHRH. The combination of GHRH and a peptidyl GHS, such as hexarelin or GH-releasing peptide-6, has recently been shown as another reliable test for the diagnosis of adult GHD, again provided that the cutoff limit is appropriate to the potency of the test. Thus, GHRH combined with either arginine or GHS is a potential tool for the diagnosis of adult GHD.

Adult↗

Outcome of growth hormone therapy in children with growth hormone deficiency showing an inadequate response to growth hormone-releasing hormone.

Saizen (recombinant growth hormone [GH]), 0.2 mg/(kg x wk), was given in an open-label fashion for an average of 51 mo to 27 children with presumed idiopathic GH deficiency who had withdrawn from a trial of Geref (recombinant GH-releasing hormone [GHRH] 1-29) because of inadequate height velocity (HV) (25 children), the onset of puberty (1 child), or injection site reactions (1 child). Measurements were made every 3-12 mo of a number of auxologic variables, including HV, height standard deviation score, and bone age. The children in the study showed excellent responses to Saizen. Moreover, first-year growth during Saizen therapy was inversely correlated with the GH response to provocative GHRH testing carried out 6 and 12 mo after the initiation of Geref treatment. These findings indicate that GH is effective in accelerating growth in GH-deficient children who do not show or maintain a satisfactory response to treatment with GHRH. In addition, they suggest that the initial response to GH therapy used in this way can be predicted by means of provoc-ative testing.

Adolescent↗

Prolonged combined in vivo pre-treatment with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LRH) and oestradiol benzoate causes long-lasting suppression of the autonomous and the LRH-stimulated secretion of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone. An in vitro study.

The effect of a combined in vivo pre-treatment with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LRH) and oestradiol benzoate (EB) on the autonomous and the 'supra-maximally' LRH-stimulated in vitro release of LH and FSH by pituitary glands of 2 weeks ovariectomized (OVX) rats was studied using a perifusion system. The concentration of LRH in the perifusion medium was 1 microgram/ml. Pre-treatment with LRH during 6 days was effected by means of sc implanted Alzet osmotic minipumps (MP). Control rats received a piece of silastic with the dimensions of a minipump ('sham-pump'; Sh-P). EB, 3 micrograms/injection or solvent (arachis oil) was sc injected on days-3 and -1 (day of perifusion: day 0). Of the pituitary glands of EB-injected, Sh-P-implanted rats both the autonomous and the LRH-stimulated secretion of LH and the LRH-stimulated secretion of FSH were significantly higher than those of the oil-injected, Sh-P-implanted rats without EB administration. Pretreatment with LRH for 6 days had a suppressing effect on the autonomous and the LRH-induced depletion of the pituitary LH and FSH stores. In combination with EB, the suppressing effect of LRH pre-treatment on the LRH-stimulated secretion of LH and FSH was still greater: the pituitary gland appeared to be fixed in a relatively unresponsive state with very low autonomous LH and FSH secretion. It is discussed that increase of pituitary LRH-responsiveness due to EB demands withdrawal of the pituitary gland from the influence of LRH, an effect which is in vivo achieved by the negative feedback of oestrogen on the hypothalamus.

Animals↗

Serum luteininzing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations in immature femal rats treated with multiple injections and various amounts of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone.

Release of immunoreactive LH and FSH was induced in immature intact female rats by repeated injections of synthetic luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LH-RH). Altering the dose of LH-RH (5, 10, 20, 50 ng) and the frequency of administration (every 10, 20, 30 or 60 min) over a period of 2 h produced a variety of serum LH and FSH concentrations and ratios. When the dose was a constant 20 ng but the frequency of injections was either 20 or 30 min, a steady state in serum gonadotrophin concentrations was reached within 1 h and the level remained the same during the second hour. When given every 10 min, 20 ng LH-RH produced a much higher concentration of both LH and FSH during the second hour of stimulation. Examination of the gonadotrophin levels after each injection of LH-RH showed that the pituitary response was variable in spite of a constant stimulus.

Animals↗