Pools Of LH Research Articles

Levels of prolactin, FSH and LH pool vs single sample determination

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Disruption of Lipid Rafts Induces Gonadotropin Release in Ovine Pituitary and LbetaT2 Gonadotroph Cells1

In order to better understand the cellular mechanisms underlying LH and FSH secretion, we have addressed the contribution of lipid rafts to the secretion of gonadotropins. We used methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD), a cholesterol-sequestering agent, on an LbetaT2 murine gonadotroph cell line and on primary cultures of ovine pituitary cells. We found that in both systems, cholesterol depletion by MbetaCD induced a fast and substantial release of LH in the absence of natural stimulation by GnRH. In ovine pituitary cells, MbetaCD-mediated LH release was shown to be independent of protein synthesis. Twenty-four hours after MbetaCD treatment, there was no loss of cell viability and full recovery of LH secretory capabilities, as determined by GnRH or MbetaCD treatment. In addition, our data suggest the existence of a pool of LH that is not released by GnRH treatment but that is released by MbetaCD treatment. Finally, in ovine pituitary cells, MbetaCD treatment induced FSH secretion. Importantly, these in vitro data are supported by in vivo studies, because MbetaCD injected into the pituitary glands of anaesthetized sheep reproducibly induced a peak of LH release.

Continuous administration of low-dose GnRH in mares: II. Pituitary and ovarian responses to uninterrupted treatment beginning near the autumnal equinox and continuing throughout the anovulatory season

We tested the hypothesis that continuous subcutaneous treatment with low-dose GnRH, administered to mares from late September/early October through March, would prevent the development of seasonal anovulation. Quarter Horse mares ( n = 20) were stratified by age and body condition score and assigned randomly to either a saline control ( n = 9) or a GnRH ( n = 11) treatment group. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone was delivered continuously via osmotic minipumps, with sham pumps placed in control mares. Initial pumps were inserted on Day 3 following ovulation or during the follicular phase if the next anticipated ovulation did not occur by 9 October. Delivery rate of GnRH was 2.5 μg/h (60 μg/day) for the first 60 days, followed by 5.0 μg/h (120 μg/day) thereafter. Pumps were replaced every 30 days. Eighty and 100% of all mares had become anovulatory by 1 November and 1 December, respectively, and remained anovulatory through the end of February. Neither serum concentrations of LH throughout the study nor total releasable pools of LH in March differed between groups. Although control mares that exhibited ovulatory cycles after study onset had greater ( P < 0.05) mean concentrations of LH during the follicular phase and metestrus compared to GnRH-treated mares, neither size of ovulatory follicles nor interovulatory intervals differed between groups. Serum concentrations of FSH were not affected by treatment, but were lowest ( P < 0.05) from November through January. Continuous infusion of low-dose GnRH, beginning soon after autumnal equinox and continuing until just after vernal equinox, failed to prevent the occurrence of or to hasten transition from seasonal anovulation.

Chronic administration of recombinant ovine leptin in growing beef heifers: effects on secretion of LH, metabolic hormones, and timing of puberty.

Serum concentrations of leptin increase linearly from approximately 16 wk before until the week of pubertal ovulation in beef heifers. To test the hypothesis that exogenous leptin can hasten the onset of puberty in heifers, we examined the effects of chronic administration of recombinant ovine leptin (oleptin) on timing of puberty, pulsatile and GnRH-mediated release of LH, and plasma concentrations of GH, IGF-I, and insulin. Fourteen fall-born, prepubertal heifers (Brahman x Hereford, 12 to 13 mo; 304.7+/-4.12 kg) were used. Heifers were stratified by age and BW and assigned randomly to one of two groups (seven animals per group): 1) Control; heifers received s.c. injections of saline twice daily (0700 and 1900) for 40 d; and 2) Leptin; heifers received s.c. injections of oleptin (19.2 microg/kg) twice daily at 0700 and 1900 for 40 d. Blood samples were collected at 10-min intervals for 5 h on. d 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40, and twice daily, just before each treatment injection, throughout the study. On d 41, heifers received i.v. injections of GnRH at 0 (0.0011 microg/kg) and 90 min (0.22 microg/kg), with additional sampling for 5.5 h to examine releasable pools of LH. Diets promoted a gain of 0.32+/-0.09 kg/d, which did not differ between groups. Plasma concentrations of leptin increased markedly in leptin-treated heifers and were greater (P < 0.001) than controls throughout (27.8+/-0.8 vs. 4.9+/-0.12 ng/mL). None of the heifers reached puberty during the experiment, but did so within 45 d of its termination. Mean concentrations of plasma LH, GH, IGF-I, and insulin were not affected by treatment, nor was there an overall effect on the frequency of LH pulses. However, a treatment x day interaction (P = 0.02) revealed that the frequency of LH pulses (pulses/ 5 h) was greater (P = 0.03) in controls (3.6+/-0.36) than in leptin-treated heifers (1.7+/- 0.28) on d 10. Characteristics of GnRH-induced release of LH were not affected by treatment. In summary, chronically administered leptin failed to induce puberty or alter endocrine characteristics in beef heifers nearing the time of expected puberty.

Role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulse frequency in differential regulation of gonadotropins in the gilt.

We tested the hypothesis that different GnRH pulse frequencies will affect serum LH and FSH differently. Ovariectomized gilts (n = 6), immunized against GnRH, were given 200-ng pulses of GnRH agonist (GnRH-A) every 180 min for 3 days (pretreatment), followed by GnRH-A pulses every 30, 60, or 180 min for 3 days (treatment) in a Latin rectangle design. Mean gonadotropin concentrations did not change over time when GnRH pulses were administered every 180 min. Initiation of high GnRH-A pulse frequency (30 min) caused a robust increase in serum LH to 265% of the pretreatment level (p < or = 0.007) and a more moderate increase in serum FSH to 127% of pretreatment level (p < or = 0.02). After 66 h of frequent pulsing, desensitization had occurred and serum LH concentrations were similar to pretreatment concentrations, but serum FSH had decreased to 53% of pretreatment levels (p < or = 0.0008). After 72 h of treatment, 5 micrograms GnRH-A was infused to estimate residual releasable pools of LH and FSH, and the amounts of LH and FSH released were negatively correlated with GnRH-A pulse frequency. The results of this study imply that the LH surge is terminated because the pituitary gland becomes incapable of responding to an otherwise adequate stimulus, and not because of exhaustion of releasable LH pools. Our results confirm that in the pig the response to altered GnRH-A pulse frequency differs between LH and FSH. High GnRH pulse frequency is more effective in acutely releasing LH than FSH. Low pulse frequency of GnRH supports FSH synthesis and release, but is not as effective in increasing LH concentrations, while high GnRH pulse frequency inhibits FSH synthesis and release.

Gonadotropin secretion in ovariectomized Chinese Meishan and hybrid large white gilts; responses to challenges with estradiol benzoate, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, or porcine follicular fluid.

Castrated Meishan (MS) and hybrid Large White (hLW) gilts were used in a series of challenge experiments to establish differences in the control of gonadotropin secretion. Acutely ovariectomized gilts (72 h) were injected i.m. with 10 micrograms/kg estradiol benzoate (EB) and serially bled for evaluation of estradiol clearance from the blood and patterns of LH and FSH release. Estradiol was more rapidly metabolized from the circulatory system of the acutely ovariectomized MS gilts than from the hLW gilts; as a consequence, hLW gilts had higher concentrations of estradiol than MS gilts at 24-32 h (p < 0.05) and 48-60 h (p < 0.01) post-EB treatment. The hLW but not the MS gilts exhibited a classic negative/positive LH response to EB; MS gilts responded with a random release of large episodes of LH. Plasma FSH concentrations were consistently greater (p < 0.05) in acutely ovariectomized MS gilts than in hLW gilts. Both breeds demonstrated a slight negative FSH response to EB and then exhibited increased variability in plasma FSH with time after treatment. Mean plasma LH was immediately elevated in chronically ovariectomized (> 14 days) hLW and MS gilts given 1 microgram/kg of GnRH i.m., but the magnitude of the LH response was greater (p < 0.01) in the hLW gilts. Comparable differences (p < 0.01) in FSH secretion were also observed, indicating the presence of greater pools of releasable FSH and LH in the hLW gilts, or a greater sensitivity to GnRH.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Agonist-Induced Release of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone, and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and their Associations with Basal Secretion of Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone throughout Lactation in Sows

Our working hypothesis was that the normal increase in basal secretion of LH and FSH during lactation in sows is paralleled by an increase in readily releasable pools of GnRH, LH, and FSH. Sows fitted with indwelling catheters and nursing 9-11 piglets were sampled on Days 1, 7, 14, and 21 (primiparous sows; n = 10; experiment 1) or Days 7 and 21 (multiparous sows; n = 10; experiment 2) of lactation. On each day, blood was collected at 10-min intervals for 2 h before one member of a pair of sows was infused (i.v.) with saline (n = 5) and the other with the neuroexcitatory amino acid N-methyl-DL-aspartic acid (NMA; 10 mg/kg b.w.) to measure readily releasable GnRH as estimated by LH release. Two hours later, each sow that had received saline was given GnRH (100 micrograms, i.v.) for estimation of releasable pools of pituitary LH and FSH. Responses to NMA and GnRH were estimated by area under the curve (ng.ml-1.min) of serum LH profiles for 1 h (NMA group) or 2 h (GnRH group) after treatment. Basal LH secretion in primiparous sows decreased from Day 1 to Day 7 and then returned to Day 1 values by Day 21. Similarly, in multiparous sows, basal LH was lower on Day 7 than on Day 21. Basal FSH secretion increased linearly as lactation progressed in primiparous and multiparous sows.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Seasonal patterns of basal and GnRH-induced LH, FSH and testosterone secretion in Eld's deer stags (Cervus eldi thamin)

Plasma LH, FSH and testosterone were measured in blood samples collected via remote catheterization from six adult Eld's deer stags every 10 min for 8 h before and 2 h after GnRH (1 microgram kg-1, i.v.) administration. Blood samples were collected within 2 weeks of the summer solstice (21 June), autumn equinox (22 September), winter solstice (21 December) and spring equinox (20 March). Marked seasonal variations in basal LH, FSH and testosterone concentrations were observed. From autumn, well-defined LH pulses were temporally associated with small, but detectable pulses in testosterone. During the winter transition into the breeding season, episodic LH pulses were also temporally associated with corresponding testosterone surges that lasted 2-3 h. High amplitude, low frequency testosterone surges were also observed during the spring, but often in the absence of detectable LH pulses. Basal LH and testosterone concentrations decreased during the summer and, although LH pulses were detected, associated testosterone pulses were absent. Only 37% of LH pulses occurred coincidentally with FSH pulses, and FSH pulses were generally less prominent. The increases in LH and FSH above basal concentrations after GnRH treatment were significant (P < 0.05) for all seasons. Increases in testosterone after GnRH treatment were greatest during the winter and spring, but testosterone also increased to a lesser extent during the autumn (P < 0.05). In contrast, testosterone concentrations were not different before and after GnRH treatment during summer.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogs containing cytotoxic radicals on the function of rat pituitary cells: tests in a long term superfusion system.

A novel class of targeted chemotherapeutic agents based on cytotoxic compounds linked to LHRH analogs was tested in a long term superfusion system in order to determine their effects on different types of rat pituitary cells. The compounds investigated included two cytotoxic LHRH agonists, T-98 ([D-Lys6]LHRH coupled to glutaryl-2-(hydroxymethyl)anthraquinone (G-HMAQ)) and T-107 ([D-Lys6]LHRH linked to doxorubicin (DOX) through glutaric acid spacer), and two cytotoxic LHRH antagonists T-121 and T-144, both containing two residues of G-HMAQ. The analogs were infused for 24 h at pharmacological (micromolar) concentrations. The secretions of LH, GH, and PRL cells after a short (2-h) and a long (20-h) recovery period following the treatment were compared to those before the analog infusion. All four cytotoxic LHRH analogs selectively decreased the stimulated LH response, while basal secretions of LH, GH, and PRL as well as the stimulated release of GH and PRL were not influenced in spite of the high doses applied and the long duration of exposure. The inhibitory effects of cytotoxic agonists and antagonists were significantly greater than those of their parent peptides. Equimolar concentrations of cytotoxic compounds alone (DOX or G-HMAQ), however, caused functional damage to all types of cells tested. To evaluate the mechanisms of the observed inhibitory actions, we compared the amount of LH released in response to 1) a specific stimulus to receptors (3 nM LHRH), 2) membrane depolarization with 100 MM KCl, not involving the receptor, and 3) the extraction of cells with 0.01 N HCl at the end of experiment. Cytotoxic LHRH agonists and their carriers caused depletion of LH pools, while cytotoxic LHRH antagonists or their parent peptides decreased the available binding sites for LHRH. The inhibitory effect of DOX on stimulated secretion of LH, GH, and PRL in our system could be due to an action on cell membranes. Our work indicates that in the pituitary cell superfusion system, targeted cytotoxic conjugates, based on LHRH analogs, selectively affect LH cells, in contrast to unconjugated cytotoxic compounds, which also damage GH and PRL cells.

Effect of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogs containing cytotoxic radicals on the function of rat pituitary cells: tests in a long term superfusion system

A novel class of targeted chemotherapeutic agents based on cytotoxic compounds linked to LHRH analogs was tested in a long term superfusion system in order to determine their effects on different types of rat pituitary cells. The compounds investigated included two cytotoxic LHRH agonists, T-98 ([D-Lys6]LHRH coupled to glutaryl-2-(hydroxymethyl)anthraquinone (G-HMAQ)) and T-107 ([D-Lys6]LHRH linked to doxorubicin (DOX) through glutaric acid spacer), and two cytotoxic LHRH antagonists T-121 and T-144, both containing two residues of G-HMAQ. The analogs were infused for 24 h at pharmacological (micromolar) concentrations. The secretions of LH, GH, and PRL cells after a short (2-h) and a long (20-h) recovery period following the treatment were compared to those before the analog infusion. All four cytotoxic LHRH analogs selectively decreased the stimulated LH response, while basal secretions of LH, GH, and PRL as well as the stimulated release of GH and PRL were not influenced in spite of the high doses applied and the long duration of exposure. The inhibitory effects of cytotoxic agonists and antagonists were significantly greater than those of their parent peptides. Equimolar concentrations of cytotoxic compounds alone (DOX or G-HMAQ), however, caused functional damage to all types of cells tested. To evaluate the mechanisms of the observed inhibitory actions, we compared the amount of LH released in response to 1) a specific stimulus to receptors (3 nM LHRH), 2) membrane depolarization with 100 MM KCl, not involving the receptor, and 3) the extraction of cells with 0.01 N HCl at the end of experiment. Cytotoxic LHRH agonists and their carriers caused depletion of LH pools, while cytotoxic LHRH antagonists or their parent peptides decreased the available binding sites for LHRH. The inhibitory effect of DOX on stimulated secretion of LH, GH, and PRL in our system could be due to an action on cell membranes. Our work indicates that in the pituitary cell superfusion system, targeted cytotoxic conjugates, based on LHRH analogs, selectively affect LH cells, in contrast to unconjugated cytotoxic compounds, which also damage GH and PRL cells.

Calcium signaling and secretory responses in agonist-stimulated pituitary gonadotrophs

In cultured pituatary gonadotrophs, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) caused dose-dependent and biphasic increases in cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca 2+] i) and LH release. Both extra- and intracellular calcium pools participate in GnRH-induced elevation of [Ca 2+] i and LH secretion. The spike phase of the [Ca 2+] i response represents the primary signal derived predominantly from the rapid mobilization of intracellular Ca 2+. In contrast, the prolonged phase of the Ca 2+ signal depends exclusively on Ca 2+ entry from the extracellular pool. The influx of Ca 2+ occurs partially through dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels. Both [Ca 2+] i and LH responses to increasing concentrations of GnRH occur over very similar time scales, suggesting that increasing degrees of receptor occupancy are transduced into amplitude-modulated Ca 2+ responses, which in turn activate exocytosis in a linear manner. However, several lines of evidence indicated the complexity over the relationship between Ca 2+ signaling and LH exocytosis. In contrast to [Ca 2+] i measurements in cell suspension, single cell Ca 2+ measurements revealed the existence of a more complicated pattern of Ca 2+ response to GnRH, with a biphasic response to high agonist doses and prominent oscillatory responses to lower GnRH concentrations, with a log-linear correlation between GnRH dose and the frequency of Ca 2+ spiking. In addition, analysis of the magnitudes of the magnitudes of the [Ca 2+] i and LH responses of gonadotrophs to a wide range of GnRH concentrations in the presence and absence of extracellular Ca 2+, and to K + and phorbol ester stimulation, showed non-linearity between these parameters with amplification of [Ca 2+] i-mediated exocytosis. Studies on cell depleted of protein kinase C under conditions that did not change the LH pool suggested the participation of protein kinase C in this amplication, especially during the plateau phase of the secretory response to GnRH.

Attenuation of gonadotrophin release and reserve in superovulated women by gonadotrophin surge attenuating factor (GnSAF)

In-vivo and in-vitro studies have provided evidence that a non-steroidal ovarian factor, called gonadotrophin surge attenuating factor (GnSAF), attenuates the endogenous LH surge in superovulated women. To study the mechanism of action of GnSAF, the LH response to two i.v. pulses of GnRH (10 micrograms each, 2 h apart) was investigated in eight normally ovulating women during the late follicular phase of a spontaneous and an FSH superovulated cycle. The maximal LH increase in response to the first pulse (initial release) was considered as representing the acutely releasable pool and the delta LH area under the whole curve (integrated response) the reserve pool of LH. Both the initial release and the integrated response to GnRH were markedly attenuated in the FSH as compared to the spontaneous cycles. The response to the second pulse was significantly greater than the response to the first pulse (self-priming effect of GnRH) in both the spontaneous and the FSH cycles. However, in the FSH cycles the self-priming effect of GnRH was markedly reduced as compared to the spontaneous cycles. We conclude that during superovulation induction in women the two pools of pituitary LH are markedly attenuated. It is suggested that GnSAF attenuates both the GnRH-induced initial release of LH and the self-priming effect of GnRH on the pituitary.

Effects of Tumor-Induced Hyperprolactinemia on LH Secretion following Stimulation of the Medial Preoptic Area, Pituitary Responsiveness and the Estrogen-Induced LH Surge

In the present study we utilized the 7315a PRL- and ACTH-secreting tumor to induce a hyperprolactinemic (HP) state sufficient to profoundly suppress the postcastration LH rise in female rats. Tumor-induced prolactin levels which ranged 2,000-3,000 ng/ml substantially reduced the LH rise in both ovariectomized (OVX) and OVX + estradiol-17 beta (E2)-treated rats. Bilateral electrochemical stimulation (ECS, 100 microA DC for 60 s) of the ventral diagonal band of Broca-medial preoptic area (DBB-MPOA) resulted in comparable LH responses in control and HP rats in the presence of absence of estradiol. Transient decreases in PRL release occurred following ECS of the DBB-MPOA. Pituitary responsiveness was assessed with two LHRH challenges spaced 60 min apart at doses of 25 and 50 ng LHRH/100 g body weight. The mean maximal LH increments (delta LH) to some of these LHRH challenges were decreased in HP rats. Finally, the LH surge induced in the afternoon in OVX + E2-treated rats was diminished 71% by the presence of the PRL-secreting tumor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Suckling as a regulator of postpartum rebreeding in cattle: a review.

An extended and variable period of anovulation and anestrus occurs in suckled beef cows following parturition. This imposes both biological and economic constraints on the efficiency of beef production. A large body of knowledge has linked these phenomena to an attenuation of neuroendocrine signals that subserve gonadal function. During late gestation, high concentrations of placental estrogen inhibit the synthesis of LH, and pituitary stores of LH are depleted at parturition. Maximum pituitary stores of LH, releasable pools of LH and the ability of hypothalamic centers to respond to positive feedback effects of estradiol occur within 3 to 4 wk after calving in suckled cows. However, the requisite pattern of pulsatile LH secretion, which accompanies similar changes in nonsuckled cows within 2 to 3 wk after calving, occurs in only 30 to 50% of suckled animals. The period of acyclicity that continues in the remainder is exacerbated by poor body condition and may persist in some females for periods exceeding 100 d. Utilizing data from the cow, as well as other species, a model for suckling-induced inhibition of pulsatile LH release is proposed. The biological and economic impact of current and future techniques for controlling suckling-induced anestrus also is considered, including a conceptual analysis of nonbiological limitations.

Changes in pituitary responsiveness during the ovulatory cycle of the Japanese quail, in vitro.

Anterior pituitary glands from ovulating Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix) were used to investigate variation in sensitivity to chicken luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (cLHRH I; Gln8-LHRH). Grouping the pituitaries by ovulatory stage provided preliminary evidence of changes in sensitivity to LHRH during the ovulatory cycle. Pituitaries taken from quail before the preovulatory LH surge were responsive to cLHRH I, while pituitaries from the other times of the cycle showed minimal response to cLHRH I. Female pituitary glands release less LH than those of males. These data indicate a change in sensitivity to LHRH in the female quail that may be due to changes in gonadal steroids or the pool of releaseable LH from the pituitary.

Clinical applications of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and its analogues.

The clinical applications of GnRH and its analogues are discussed. GnRH can be used diagnostically to assess the releasable pool of LH and the status of gonadotrophin secretion. Clinically it can be used to induce follicle growth and ovulation in patients with hypogonadotrophic amenorrhoea, especially when given in pulsatile form, and there are reports that it might also stimulate spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Analogues are proving valuable in the treatment of precocious puberty, but are not yet practical for contraception. They are more valuable in the treatment of endometriosis, hormone-dependent cancers, the polycystic ovary and for the induction of ovulation for in-vitro fertilization.

Estradiol Sensitization of Cultured Human Fetal Pituitary Cells to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone*

In adult women, estradiol (E2) sensitizes the pituitary to GnRH. To assess whether this effect develops during intrauterine life, dispersed pituitary cells from second trimester male and female fetuses were cultured on extracellular matrix-coated plates. E2 (10(-8) mol/L) exposure for 72 h resulted in a significant increase in LH release when cells were stimulated with GnRH and caused a significant shift to the left of the dose-response curve for GnRH-stimulated LH release [relative potency ratio, 0.33 +/- 0.05 (+/- SE)]. E2-enhanced LH release was not associated with an increase in cell number, total LH content, or percentage of LH-containing cells (immunocytochemistry). The EC50 of GnRH-stimulated LH release and the degree of E2 sensitization were not sex dependent, although female fetal pituitary cells in the absence of E2 had significantly greater LH content and released more LH under basal and GnRH-stimulated conditions than cells from male fetuses. Therefore, E2 sensitization of second trimester human fetal gonadotrophs to GnRH does occur, is not influenced by sex, and may involve an acutely releasable LH pool. At these gestational ages, basal and maximal GnRH-stimulated LH release as well as total LH content are greater in the female than the male. Thus, E2 sensitization of GnRH responsiveness appears to have its origins during intrauterine fetal life.

Preferential release of bioactive luteinizing hormone in response to endogenous and low dose exogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulses in man.

We used the rat interstitial cell testosterone (RICT) bioassay to assess biological LH activity secreted in response to endogenous and low dose exogenous GnRH pulses in normal men. The absence of nonspecific plasma effects in the LH bioassay was demonstrated by the finding of undetectable levels of LH bioactivity despite low but measurable immunoactivity in 10 hypogonadotropic men. Moreover, bolus injections of human LH in 6 hypogonadotropic men defined a curvilinear relationship between plasma bioactive and immunoactive LH concentrations, in which the extrapolated concentration of plasma bioactive LH at a zero dose of immunoactive LH was indistinguishable from zero. Zero bioactive LH intercepts were also found when physiological bio- and immunoactive LH concentrations derived from 7 intensively sampled normal men were subjected to linear regression using 2-dimensional error fitting. In these men, exogenous low dose (10 micrograms) iv GnRH administration resulted in preferential release of bioactive LH, with a consequent significant increase in the median plasma bio- to immunoactive (bioimmuno) LH ratio. This pattern mimicked that of endogenous LH pulsatility, in which median intrapulse bio:immuno LH ratios were significantly higher than median interpulse ratios in the same individuals (P = 0.006). Increases in spontaneous plasma bio:immuno LH ratios were not attributable to spurious rises in bioactive LH concentrations associated with decreases in serum immunoactive LH levels. Rather, sample cross-correlation analyses demonstrated positive correlations between bio- and immunoactive LH at lags of 0-40 min, indicating that both hormones increased or decreased concomitantly. These results demonstrate that LH is secreted physiologically in pulses of increased biological activity, presumably reflecting the release of a functionally compartmentalized LH pool relatively enriched in biologically active hormone. Accordingly, evaluation of the plasma bio:immuno LH ratio can provide a useful and sensitive index of qualitative changes in the LH molecule in response to endogenous (spontaneous) and exogenous GnRH stimulation.

Naloxone increases bioactive LH in man: evidence for selective release of early LH pool.

Opioid peptides inhibit LH secretion and the opiate antagonist naloxone provokes increases in plasma LH levels by release of endogenous GnRH from the hypothalamus. To explore the effect of endogenously released GnRH on the mobilization of bioactive LH pools, the bioactive LH response to a single iv bolus dose of 20 mg naloxone has been evaluated and compared to the immunoactive pattern of the hormone in eight young normal male volunteers. Blood samples were withdrawn at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 min after naloxone injection and LH levels were measured by RIA and rat interstitial cell testosterone (RICT) bioassay. A significant increase in both bio and immuno active LH was observed in all subjects after 15-30 min (p less than 0.05 to p less than 0.001), reaching maximal levels at 30-60 min for both forms of the hormone. The time course of the bioactive LH response magnified the immunoactive LH pattern, and the maximum fold increases were 1.4 and 1.3 fold (62.4 +/- 5.5 SE and 25.0 +/- 3.7 SE mIU/ml) from basal bio and immuno LH levels of 25.9 +/- 4.3 SE and 11.1 +/- 2.0 SE mIU/ml respectively. An early single peak response of bio and immunoactive LH was observed in six subjects while a biphasic pattern was observed in two subjects with a clearly defined and prominent early pool followed by a second pool of higher magnitude. Both bio and immunoactive LH levels began to decline at 45-60 min, but in most subjects remained significantly elevated by about 30% above the basal values at 120 min.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Seasonal variation in pituitary responsiveness to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone of mallards and canvasbacks

Endocrine profiles of wild mallards ( Anas platyrhynchos) and canvasbacks ( Aythya valisineria) were determined during the spring and the summer. Males and females of each species were treated with a single intravenous injection of 12 μg of synthetic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). Preinjection and postinjection blood samples were collected and LH levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. LHRH evoked a brisk and significant elevation in serum LH in all ducks indicating the pituitary glands of both species contain readily releasable pools of LH. In March, the preinjection baseline levels of LH in the two groups did not differ. However, mallards responded to LHRH with a twofold increase in serum LH, while canvasbacks responded with a fourfold increase ( F = 17.1, P < 0.001). At the summer blood sampling period, mallards had significantly higher circulating levels of serum LH than canvasbacks ( F = 35.9, P < 0.001). Both species responded to LHRH with a twofold increase in circulating LH. These data indicate that seasonal variations in reproduction whown by the two species in captivity may be associated with differences in LHRH-sensitive pools of LH.