Gonadotropin stimulation by chronic administration of synthetic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in hypophysectomized pituitary grafted male newts

Abstract

Chronic administration of synthetic LH-RH (0.5 μg/8 g body weight per day) directly into the graft area in hypophysectomized newts bearing a pituitary autograft results in an increase in testis volume and a recrudescence of spermatogenesis. In two cases round spermatids were formed. In LH-RH-treated animals the graft appears better preserved and richer in type II basophils (presumed gonadotropic cells). The height of the caudal fin (a prolactin-dependent ambisexual character), is more developed in saline-treated than in LH-RH-treated animals.