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Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Interactions During Reproductive Senescence in the Rat

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Parkinson’s Disease—II

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 113))

Abstract

The neuroendocrine status of Long-Evans female rats was evaluated at several key stages of reproductive senescence. Young (4–8 mo), middle-aged (10–14 mo) and old (24–30 mo) animals were studied according to reproductive state. The reproductive states studied were (1) regularly cycling, (2) constant estrus and (3) pseudopregnant, as determined by vaginal smear cytology. Neuroendocrine parameters at the levels of the hypothalamus, pituitary and steroid-producing organs were compared between each group. DA3, E and NE concentrations in the median eminence of the hypothalamus were determined by a highly sensitive radioenzymatic assay. LRF content in the median eminence was measured by radioimmunoassay. Circulating levels of LH, FSH, PRL and six steroids were determined. Changes in hormone and neurotransmitter concentrations were demonstrated in association with the various stages of reproductive senescence and with age advancement. These changes involved the hypothalamic, pituitary and steroid systems. NE content in the median eminence, FSH in serum and circulating androstenedione were all significantly increased in middle-aged, cyclic rats prior to the onset of senescent anovulation. DA concentration in 24 mo. old constant estrous rats (30.7+7.7 pg/yg, N=6) and in 30 mo. old pseudo-pregnant rats (27.5+7.1 pg/]ig, N=6) was significantly reduced compared to young (6 mo. old), cyclic controls on proestrous (55.0+4.7 pg/yg, N=12). This DA reduction was associated with a 3-fold increase in circulating prolactin. The results are discussed in terms of a regulatory cascade model of female reproductive senescence (Finch, 1976).

Rockefeller Foundation Research Fellow in Reproductive Endocrinology.

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Abbreviations

NE:

norepinephrine

E:

epinephrine

DA:

dopa­mine

LRF:

gonadotropin releasing factor

PRL:

prolactin

PIE:

prolactin inhibiting factor

E2 :

estradiol

E1 :

estrone

P:

progesterone

20α-OH-P:

hydroxyprogesterone

T:

testosterone

A:

androstenedione

HCG:

human choronic gonadotropin

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Author notes

  1. K. H. Lu

    Present address: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Center for Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90024, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093, USA

    M. M. Wilkes, K. H. Lu, S. L. Fulton & S. S. C. Yen

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  3. S. L. Fulton
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Caleb E. Finch

  2. Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Lubbock, Texas, USA

    David E. Potter  & Alexander D. Kenny  & 

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Wilkes, M.M., Lu, K.H., Fulton, S.L., Yen, S.S.C. (1978). Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Interactions During Reproductive Senescence in the Rat. In: Finch, C.E., Potter, D.E., Kenny, A.D. (eds) Parkinson’s Disease—II. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 113. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-8893-7_8

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