Effect of starvation on gonadotrophin secretion and on in vitro release of LRH from the isolated median eminence of the male rat.

Abstract

Abstract. A perfusion system was developed in which isolated median eminences (ME) were stimulated in vitro by depolarizing agents such as potassium and veratridine. Potassium concentrations between 30 and 80 mm released increasing amounts of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LRH) from the MEs of starved and control rats. Veratridine at a concentration of 50 μm caused a more prolonged LRH release in both starved and control animals. LRH secretion in vitro was slightly, though not under all conditions, significantly greater in rats starved for 5 days. The testosterone (T)-LH feedback was studied by castrating the animals and substituting various doses of T through implantation of T-releasing capsules of different sizes. The concentration in plasma, which can prevent the castration-induced much smaller in starved than in control rats. The in vitro release of LRH evoked by 80 mm potassium was not different for starved and fed rats under various feedback conditions. Both groups revealed decreased in vitro release of LRH when castrated animals were not substituted with T. The effect of castration was studied from 1 to 28 days. The plasma LH values rapidly increased in starved and control animals, indicating that the hypothalamic responsestration is not delayed by starvation. The release in vitro of LRH decreased from the first to the fifth day and remained constant thereafter. No significant difference between starved and fed rats was observed. The experiments indicate that the 'releasable pool' of LRH in vitro is greater under conditions of reduced LH release in vivo. The basic mechanism of depolarization-induced exocytosis of LRH from the ME is intact in starved animals.