Effects of exogenous estradiol-17 beta and progesterone on naloxone-reversible inhibition of the release of luteinizing hormone in ewes |
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| Authors: | W E Trout P V Malven |
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| Institution: | Dept. Anim. Sci., Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907. |
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| Abstract: | The role of endogenous opioids in controlling luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion was studied by injecting the opioid antagonist naloxone into intact and ovariectomized ewes that were treated with estradiol-17 beta (E2) and progesterone (P4). The existence of a naloxone-reversible inhibition of LH release was examined in five experiments using a total of 52 mature ewes. Naloxone at a dosage of 1 mg/kg disinhibited release of LH and abruptly increased serum concentrations of LH in a variety of experimental models. This naloxone-reversible inhibition of LH secretion was apparent in all experimental models that involved P4-induced inhibition of basal LH secretion but not in one model in which P4 inhibited the LH surge. Specific effects of E2 on naloxone-reversible inhibition of LH varied among experimental models. When prolonged administration of P4 alone appeared to lose its LH-inhibitory potency, E2 restored inhibition of LH as well as the naloxone-reversible state. Whenever E2 acted synergistically to suppress basal LH secretion in models involving brief (5 d) exposure to P4, E2 appeared to antagonize the naloxone-reversible state. In summary, P4-induced suppression of LH secretion appeared to be mediated by endogenous opioids, but the apparent interaction of E2 and opioids in LH suppression varied among experiments. |
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