Plasma prolactin changes in anoestrous ewes after infusion of genistein into the third ventricle

K Romanowicz,B Barcikowski,A Madej,T Misztal

doi:10.22358/jafs/67628/2004

Abstract

Plasma prolactin changes in anoestrous ewes after infusion of genistein into the third ventricle

Highlights

Isoflavones compounds, a class of phytoestrogens, which include formononetin, biochanin A, daidzein and genistein, occur in red clover {Trifolium pratense), and might be causing infertility in female sheep (Adams, 1995)
In a previous study we have shown that feeding red clover silage to ovariectomized ewes caused an increase in teat length, circumference and even stimulated a milky fluid secretion (Nwannenna et al, 1995)
The results from the present study show that the centrally administered genistein stimulates the secretion of prolactin in ewes during seasonal anoestrus

Summary

Introduction

Isoflavones compounds, a class of phytoestrogens, which include formononetin, biochanin A, daidzein and genistein, occur in red clover {Trifolium pratense), and might be causing infertility in female sheep (Adams, 1995). Their affinity to oestrogen receptor alfa (ERa) as well as the oestrogen receptor beta (ERB) is substantial (Kuiper et al, 1998). In a previous study we have shown that feeding red clover silage to ovariectomized ewes caused an increase in teat length, circumference and even stimulated a milky fluid secretion (Nwannenna et al, 1995). These changes were similar to that during treatment with oestradiol-170 implant. The aim of the present work was to study effects of the central administration of genistein on prolactin changes in intact ewes during the seasonal anoestrus

Objectives

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Conclusion