Autonomic nervous regulation of ovarian function by noxious somatic afferent stimulation.

Sae Uchida,Fusako Kagitani

doi:10.1007/s12576-014-0324-9

Sae Uchida, Fusako Kagitani

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12576-014-0324-9

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Abstract

It is well known that ovarian function is regulated by hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian hormones. However, although several histological studies have described the autonomic innervation of the ovary, the involvement of these autonomic nerves in ovarian function is unclear. Recently, it has been shown that both the superior ovarian nerve (SON) and the ovarian nerve plexus (ONP) induce vasoconstrictor activity by activation of alpha 1-adrenoceptors, whereas the SON, but not the ONP, inhibits ovarian estradiol secretion by activation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors. Furthermore, reflex activation of these ovarian nerves by noxious cutaneous stimulation of the rat hindpaw results in ovarian vasoconstriction and inhibition of estradiol secretion. Thus, in addition to long-term regulation of ovarian function by hormones, ovarian autonomic innervation may be involved in rapid regulation of ovarian function by responding to either internal or external environmental changes.

Highlights

Many studies have examined hypothalamic and pituitary hormonal regulation of such ovarian functions as ovulation and secretion of ovarian hormones [1, 2]
The ovarian vasoconstrictive response is produced via reflex activation of the superior ovarian nerve (SON) and ovarian nerve plexus (ONP), whereas inhibition of ovarian estradiol secretion occurs as a result of reflex activation of the SON only (Fig. 8)
These results suggest that reflex activation of sympathetic nerves to the ovary by stressful physical stimulation, for example noxious stimulation, may be involved in rapid inhibition of ovarian function in emergencies

Summary

Introduction

Many studies have examined hypothalamic and pituitary hormonal regulation of such ovarian functions as ovulation and secretion of ovarian hormones [1, 2]. Reflex activation of these ovarian nerves by noxious cutaneous stimulation of the rat hindpaw results in ovarian vasoconstriction and inhibition of estradiol secretion. We examined the effects of NA and electrical stimulation of the autonomic nerves to the ovary on the diameter of ovarian arterioles, by use of digital video microscopy, and on ovarian blood flow, by use of laser Doppler flowmetry [21, 22].

Results

Conclusion