Progestin secretion by gonadotropin-induced corpora lutea in ovaries of androgen-sterilized rats.

Abstract

SummaryThe present studies were on the concentrations of progesterone and 20-α-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (20-α-OHP) in ovarian vein blood of androgen-sterilized rats prior to and following ovulation induced by exogenous HCG or LH. Neither steroid was present prior to ovulation and following HCG treatment the dominant steroid secreted was 20-α-OHP. Reserpine or prolactin (i.v. and s.c.) administration resulted in secretion of progesterone in high concentrations whereas the hydroxy steroid was essentially undetectable.