The effect of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) on the gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone (GnRH) hypothalamic neuronal system during preovulatory period in the ewe.

Abstract

Effects of infusions of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) into the 3rd ventricle of the brain of ewes during the proestrus on the immunoreactive (ir) gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal system, pituitary luteinizing hormone(LH) producing cells and LH concentrations in the blood plasma were studied. None of the CRF-treated sheep displayed the estrous activity nor ovulated on the day of estrus (17th day of the cycle), and two days later when they were slaughtered. The GnRH center of CRF treated ewes situated in the preoptico-septal area was well organized, but irGnRH stores in the median eminence were low in comparison to the controls (sheep from the late follicular phase of the estrous cycle). The feature and the number of LH-cells in CRF-treated ewes were typical for the preovulatory phase of the cycle but the plasma concentrations of LH did not exceed basal levels. These results suggest that CRF induced decrease of irGnRH stores in the nerve terminals of the ME can be responsible for the blockade of the preovulatory surge of GnRH/LH in the sheep.