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Female Contraception pp 167–172Cite as

Progesterone and Progestins Modulate Hypothalamic and Pituitary β-Endorphin

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Abstract

Gonadal steroids and neuropeptides interact in the central nervous system in some mechanisms regulating reproductive functions. The activity of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) and of peptidergic neurons is influenced by the hormonal signals originating in the gonads. β-Endorphin (β-EP) is an endogenous opioid peptide synthesized in the hypothalamus and with morphinelike effects [1]. Indeed, β-EP decreases circulating LH levels by inhibiting LH-RH secretion [2] and decreases sexual activity [3]. β-EP is present in plasma and is secreted from the pituitary. Interestingly, chronic estradiol benzoate (EB) treatment increases hypothalamic, pituitary, and circulating β-EP levels in ovariectomized rats [4, 5, 6].

This study was supported in part by the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, P.F. MPR, SP8.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena, Italy

    A. R. Genazzani, F. Petraglia, M. Bergamaschi, A. D. Genazzani, F. Facchinetti, M. Cleva, V. Santoro & A. Volpe

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  1. A. R. Genazzani
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  2. F. Petraglia
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  3. M. Bergamaschi
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  4. A. D. Genazzani
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  5. F. Facchinetti
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  6. M. Cleva
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  7. V. Santoro
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  8. A. Volpe
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecological Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Voßstr. 9, D-6900, Heidelberg, Germany

    Benno Runnebaum , Thomas Rabe  & Ludwig Kiesel ,  & 

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© 1988 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Genazzani, A.R. et al. (1988). Progesterone and Progestins Modulate Hypothalamic and Pituitary β-Endorphin. In: Runnebaum, B., Rabe, T., Kiesel, L. (eds) Female Contraception. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-73790-9_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-73790-9_15

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-73792-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-73790-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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