Abstract

The effect of hyperprolactinaemia on the progesterone-induced LH surge which occurs in oestrogen-primed, ovariectomized rats has been investigated. Hyperprolactinaemia was produced by implanting pituitary glands under the kidney capsule and levels of LH and prolactin in the circulation were measured at appropriate times during the steroid treatment. Twenty-four hours after oestrogen administration plasma LH levels were significantly reduced in both hyperprolactinaemic and sham-operated control rats. Progesterone induced a surge of LH which peaked 5 h after injection in both groups of rats. However, the peak LH level in the hyperprolactinaemic rats was less than 50% of that observed in the controls. Differences were also found in the effect of oestrogen on prolactin release in the hyperprolactinaemic rats. It is suggested that prolactin reduces the sensitivity to progesterone by a direct action on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.