Reflex modulation of ovarian estradiol secretion via the superior ovarian nerve by somatosensory stimulation in rats

Abstract

Our previous study demonstrated that electrical stimulation of the superior ovarian nerve in rats reduces the ovarian estradiol secretion rate. In the present study, we examined the effect of noxious mechanical afferent stimulation (pinching) of a hindpaw on the ovarian estradiol secretion rate in rats. The rats were anesthetized on the day of estrus, and the ovarian venous blood was collected intermittently. The secretion rate of estradiol from the ovary was calculated from differences in the estradiol concentration between ovarian venous plasma and systemic arterial blood plasma, and from the flow rate of ovarian venous plasma.