In vivo models for the study of gonadotropin and LHRH secretion

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to describe recent data from my laboratory dealing with the in vivo control of LHRH secretion in male rabbits and rats using the technique of push-pull perfusion (PPP) that allows repetitive determinations of this neuropeptide in quasinormal physiological conditions. In addition, we have applied this method to simultaneously measure LHRH and LH in freely behaving male rats bearing a push-pull cannula (PPC) in the anterior pituitary. A description of the validation of this technique and its potential use will be discussed as well as data indicating that castration in the male rat induces a significant increase in the LHRH and LH signals; however, following testosterone treatment, in spite of a clear return of LH output to intact levels, even higher levels of LHRH reaching the anterior pituitary were detected. Curiously, in the rabbit no changes in LHRH release were noticed with castration, but following testosterone treatment, a transient but robust 5–8-fold increase in LHRH release was noticed. In short, these studies have demonstrated the existence of apparently opposite rather than similar responses in the testicular control of the hypothalamic-hypophysial axis of the male rat as compared with those of the male rabbit.