Low Plasma Estradiol is Required for the Expression of Daily Increase in Plasma Gonadotropins in the Lactating Golden Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus).

Abstract

Mechanisms responsible for a daily increase in plasma gonadotropins during lactation of golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were investigated. A daily afternoon (1700 h) increase in plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and progesterone was observed until at least day 15 of lactation (day 0 of lactation = day of parturition). On the other hand, plasma estradiol did not show any significant change at 1100, 1700 and 2300 h. Such increases occur in hamsters nursing 8 pups. In hamsters nursing 2 pups, however, only a daily increase in LH was noted on day 5 of lactation and the diurnal rhythm of LH was difficult to see because of the increase in basal levels of LH on day 10 and 15 of lactation. The diurnal increases in plasma LH and FSH disappeared within 2 days after removal of the litter on day 10 of lactation and by day 14 of lactation (4 days after litter removal) most animals had resumed ovulating. Ovariectomy on day 2 of lactation did not affect the profile of plasma LH on subsequent days. In contrast, the basal levels of plasma FSH increased, suggesting the absence of an inhibitory ovarian signal (probably inhibin). A negative relationship existed between plasma estradiol and the daily surges of LH and FSH at 1700 h; the daily rise in gonadotropins occurred when plasma levels of estradiol were low. The afternoon increases in plasma LH and FSH were prevented by treatment with physiological levels of estradiol, comparable to those observed in the cyclic hamster. Antiserum against LHRH injected at 1100 h on day 10 of lactation completely suppressed the daily rise of plasma LH and FSH. These results indicate that during lactation low levels of estradiol are required for the expression of diurnal increase in plasma LH and FSH in the hamster. Moreover, the low levels of estradiol results in the daily release of LHRH.