Inhibin secretion in the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) testis during active and inactive states of spermatogenesis induced by the restriction of photoperiod

Gonadal function in the male golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was investigated during exposure to a short photoperiod condition. Within 3 weeks of exposure to the short photoperiod condition, FSH and testosterone in the plasma significantly decreased, and subsequently immunoreactive (ir)-inhibin significantly decreased. Testicular contents of ir-inhibin and testosterone, and pituitary contents of LH and FSH also significantly decreased by 3 weeks with regression of weight of testes, epididymis and seminal vesicles and sperm head count. Circulating LH varied but not significantly. Thereafter, all reproductive parameters and secretion of LH, FSH, ir-inhibin and testosterone gradually recovered after 17 weeks of exposure even though animals continued to be subjected to the short photoperiod condition. Plasma concentrations of inhibin B and inhibin pro-alphaC were detectable and were significantly decreased after 15 weeks of exposure to the short photoperiod, but their levels were still detectable. Immunopositive reaction of inhibin alpha and betaB subunits was found in Sertoli cells and Leydig cells in the regressed testes of animals subjected to short photoperiod as was also seen in animals before exposure to the short photoperiod. Although the spermatogenic cycle was suppressed like prepubertal animals, the present study showed that the testicular recovery, so-called refractoriness, is functionally different from the developing stage of immature animals, especially with regard to inhibin secretion. The present results showed that changes in FSH preceded changes in inhibin during the regression and recovery phases, indicating that FSH is a major regulatory factor of inhibin secretion in male golden hamsters. The present study also demonstrated that regressed testes still secrete a small amount of bioactive inhibin during exposure to a short-photoperiod condition.     

Neuroendocrine interactions and seasonality

Sheep in temperate latitudes are seasonal breeders. Of the different seasonal cues, photoperiod is the most reliable parameter and is used by animals as an indication of the time of the year to synchronize endogenous annual rhythms of reproduction and physiology. The photoperiodic information is transduced into neuroendocrine changes through variations in melatonin secretion from the pineal gland. Melatonin triggers variations in the secretion of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone (LHRH/LH/FSH) responsible for seasonal changes in reproductive activity. In female sheep, the seasonal changes in the hormonal LH pattern mainly reflect an increase in the negative feedback exerted by estradiol under long days on the frequency of pulsatile LH secretion. The resulting seasonal inhibition of LH secretion involves the activation of monoaminergic and especially dopaminergic systems by estradiol. Other types of physiological regulation subject to seasonal changes such as voluntary food intake (VFI), fat metabolism, body mass and pelage growth also occur in sheep, goats or related wild species. Several neuroendocrine intermediates seem to be shared by these different systems and may participate in their synchronization, providing the advantage that this helps mammalian species to adapt to their environment.     

Endocrine and testicular changes associated with season, artificial photoperiod, and the peri-pubertal period in stallions.

The seasonal reproductive cycle of stallions is characterized by an annual regression and recrudescence in testicular function and concentrations of LH, FSH, and testosterone in serum. Maximum reproductive capacity occurs during the increasing day lengths of spring and summer. The annual cycle in LH secretion may reflect a seasonally associated and photosensitive reduction and replenishment in pituitary content of LH. Similar to other seasonal breeders, it appears that stallions may possess an endogenous circannual rhythm in reproductive function that is subject to manipulation by altering the light:dark ratio, i.e., photoperiod. The application of a long-day photoperiod (16 hours light:8 hours dark) in December, following 20 weeks of short days (8 hours light:16 hours dark), was effective in hastening the seasonal sexual recrudescence of stallions but was not effective in prolonging the interval of heightened reproductive capacity. The infantile period in colts lasts approximately 32 weeks and is characterized by low gonadotropin concentrations and little gonadal activity. The start of the pre-pubertal period is marked by changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis which result in increased amounts of LH and FSH secretion between 32 and 40 weeks of age. Testosterone concentrations in serum exhibit a dramatic increase at 75 to 80 weeks of age, with puberty (defined as the age when the first ejaculate was obtained containing a minimum of 50 x 10(6) sperm with greater than or equal to 10% progressive motility) occurring at 83 weeks of age.     

Luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and prolactin secretion in ewes and wethers after zeranol or estradiol injection

Plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin (PRL) were determined over a 24-h period using radioimmunoassay in sheep injected with corn oil (control) or various doses of zeranol or estradiol-17 beta. Injection of .333, 1 or 10 mg of zeranol caused dose-related increases (P less than .01) in plasma PRL (peak levels at 12 to 18 h) and LH (peak levels at 12 to 20 h) in ovariectomized ewes. Similarly, PRL and LH increased following doses of 33 or 100 microgram of estradiol. Before the LH surge, plasma LH levels were significantly depressed (4 to 8 h). Plasma FSH levels were significantly decreased 4 to 8 h after zeranol and estradiol injection. Slight surges of FSH were observed at times similar to those of LH, but the peak level was never greater than control levels. Injection of 1 mg of zeranol or 100 microgram of estradiol into wethers resulted in a 24-h pattern of PRL secretion not significantly different of LH concentration and significantly prolonged inhibition of FSH secretion. These results indicate similarities in the effects of zeranol and estradiol on anterior pituitary hormone secretion within groups of animals of the same sex or reproductive state. Differences in secretion and plasma concentrations of LH, FSH and PRL due to underlying sexual dimorphism are maintained and expressed even when animals are challenged with structurally different compounds of varying estrogenic potencies.     

Effects of season, age and increased photoperiod on reproductive hormone concentrations and testicular diameters in thoroughbred stallions

Testicular diameters and monthly blood samples were obtained from 83 stallions aged 4 to 22 years that were maintained on Central Kentucky Thoroughbred stud farms. The effects of age, season, and exposure to increased photoperiod (16 hours light/day, December 15 to April 1) on testicular diameters and plasma concentrations of FSH, LH and testosterone were studied.The results indicated that Thoroughbred stallions show distinct seasonal and age related changes in most of the reproductive parameters studied and that exposure of such stallions to increased photoperiod produced significant alterations in these changes. Although lighting stimulated testicular growth and testosterone secretion early in the breeding season such changes were short lived. Lighted stallions appeared to become refractory to the lighting program since both testicular size and plasma testosterone concentrations were significantly reduced by June.     

Clinical use of GnRH agonists in canine and feline species

GnRH (gonadotrophin releasing hormone) is a key hormone of reproductive function in mammals; agonist forms have been largely developed, and data concerning their use in small animal reproduction are now abundant. GnRH agonists act by a two-step mechanism. First, their agonist properties on the pituitary will cause marked LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) secretion into the bloodstream, accompanied by an increase in the concentrations of sex steroid hormones. Then, in case of constant administration, GnRH agonists will lead to pituitary desensitization, and FSH and LH levels will collapse. These two effects have been widely documented, and these compounds have many potential benefits in a clinical context, capitalizing both on their stimulating and sterilizing effects.     

山羊GnRH和促性腺激素的释放特点

通过外科手术分别连续收集活体山羊中黄体期及早卵泡期的垂体门脉血样和外周血样，经放射免疫测定，山羊中黄体期和早卵泡期的促性腺激素释放激素（ＧｎＲＨ）、促黄体生成素（ＬＨ）和促卵泡素（ＦＳＨ）均呈波动式释放。在早卵泡期，ＦＳＨ单位时间内波动次数和血浆平均水平显著高于中黄体期；ＧｎＲＨ与ＬＨ的波动型基本一致，ＦＳＨ的变化不太规则。表明山羊垂体促性腺激素的释放受丘脑下部ＧｎＲＨ的调节，但ＦＳＨ似乎还存在其他调节机理。     

The effect of pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone and estradiol administration on luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations in pituitary stalk-sectioned ovariectomized pony mares

Hourly pulses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or bi-daily injections of estradiol (E2) can increase luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in ovariectomized, anestrous pony mares. However, the site (pituitary versus hypothalamus) of positive feedback of estradiol on gonadotropin secretion has not been described in mares. Thus, one of our objectives involved investigating the feedback of estradiol on the pituitary. The second objective consisted of determining if hourly pulses of GnRH could re-establish physiological LH and FSH concentrations after pituitary stalk-section (PSS), and the third objective was to describe the declining time trends of LH and FSH secretion after PSS. During summer months, ovariectomized pony mares were divided into three groups: Group 1 (control, n = 2), Group 2 (pulsatile GnRH (25 μg/hr), n = 3), and Group 3 (estradiol (5 mg/12 hr), n = 3). All mares were stalk-sectioned and treatment begun immediately after stalk-section. Blood samples were collected every 30 min for 8 h on the day before surgery (DO) and 5 d post surgery (D5) to facilitate the comparison of gonadotropin levels before and after pituitary stalk-section. Additionally, jugular blood samples were collected every 12 hr beginning the evening of surgery, allowing for evaluation of the gonadotropin secretory time trends over the 10 d of treatment. On Day 10, animals were euthanized to confirm pituitary stalk-section and to submit tissue for messenger RNA analysis (parallel study). Plasma samples were assayed for LH and FSH by RIA. Mean LH secretion decreased from Day 0 to Day 5 in Groups 1 and 3, whereas LH secretion tended (P < 0.08) to decrease in Group 2 mares. On Day 5, LH was higher (P < 0.01) in Group 2 (17.26 ± 3.68 ng/ml; LSMEANS ± SEM), than either Group 1 (2.65 ± 4.64 ng/ml) or group 3 (4.28 ± 3.68 ng/ml). Group 1 did not differ from Group 3 on Day 5 (P < 0.40). Similarly, mean FSH levels decreased in all groups after surgery, yet Group 2 mares had significantly (P < 0.001) higher FSH concentrations (17.66 ± 1.53 ng/ml) than Group 1 or Group 3 (8.34 ± 1.84 and 7.69 ± 1. 63 ng/ml, respectively). Regression analysis of bi-daily LH and FSH levels indicated that the time trends were not parallel. These findings indicate: 1) Pituitary stalk-section lowered LH and FSH to undetectable levels within 5 d after surgery, 2) pulsatile administration of GnRH (25 μg/hr) maintained LH and FSH secretion, although concentrations tended to be lower than on Day 0, and 3) E2 did not stimulate LH or FSH secretion.     

Oestradiol Induced Inhibition of Neuroendocrine Marker Expression in Leydig Cells of Adult Rats

The objectives of this work were to determine the changes in the expression of neuroendocrine markers in Leydig cell by oestradiol treatment, and to determine whether testosterone is able to recover partially the effects of hormonal suppression induced by oestradiol. Adult male rats were injected daily with either 50 microg of oestradiol or oestradiol plus testosterone propionate (25 mg every 3 days) for 15 days. The animals were sacrificed and testicles were dissected and processed by routine histological protocols. FSH and LH serum levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. The visualization of antigens was achieved by the streptavidin-peroxidase immunohistochemical method. Antibodies against chromogranin A (CrA), S-100 protein (S-100), P substance (PS), synaptofisin (SYN), neurofilament protein (NF), gliofibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neuron specific enolase (NSE) were used. The mean LH and FSH serum concentrations were consistently suppressed with hormonal treatments. Intermediate filaments (NF and GFAP) showed no difference in their expression. The expression of S-100, NSE and SYN was significantly lower in both hormone-treated groups. In oestradiol-treated rats, the immunoreactivity of CrA and SP decreased significantly but was restored after testosterone supplementation. Although the nature and functions of many of these substances in Leydig cells remain unknown, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that the expression of some neuroendocrine markers is hormonally controlled.     

Pubertal changes in the secretion of gonadotropic hormones, testicular gonadotropic receptors and testicular function in the ram

Developmental changes in pituitary content and secretory patterns of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin (PRL), testicular size and steroidogenic function, testicular LH- and FSH-binding activity, and growth of the accessory sex organs were examined for 24 Dorset X Leicester X Suffolk rams (born in March) every 30 days from 30 to 150 days of age, and again at 200 days. Pituitary LH and FSH contents increased between 30 and 60 days of age and remained constant until 150 days, when contents were somewhat greater than on either 120 or 200 days. LH-pulse amplitude and frequency, and mean FSH concentration, were highest at 60 and (or) 90 days of age. Testicular growth increased dramatically between 90 and 150 days of age in association with increases in the number of LH- (100-fold) and FSH- (33-fold) binding sites in the testis and a small increase in blood testosterone concentration (1 ng/ml). During the same period, pituitary content and blood concentration of PRL increased to maximal values, epididymal, vesicular gland and bulbourethral gland weights increased 6-fold, and body weight doubled. Between 150 and 200 days of age, testosterone concentration increased considerably (8 ng/ml), as did LH-pulse frequency and the amount of LH- and FSH- binding in the testis; the reproductive organs continued to grow at a rate faster than that of the body as a whole. Testicular development of ram lambs was accompanied by increases in the secretion of all three pituitary hormones with gonadotropic properties, and in the number of LH and FSH receptors.     

Influences of season and artificial photoperiod on stallions: luteinizing hormone follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone

Influence of day length on seasonal endocrine responses were studied using stallions (seven per group). Treatments included 1) control, with natural day length; 2) 8 h light and 16 h dark (8:16) for 20 wk beginning July 16, 1982 then 16:8 from December 2, 1982 until March 5, 1984 (S-L); or 3) 8:16 from July 16, 1982 until March 5, 1984 (S-S). Blood was sampled hourly for 5 h every 4 wk; sera were pooled within horse, and luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone were quantified. Blood was collected every 20 min for 24 h every 8 wk and 2 wk before and after the December light shift. Samples were assayed for LH. Stallions in all groups underwent seasonal changes (P less than .05) in concentrations of LH, FSH, testosterone and basal concentrations of LH and amplitude of LH pulses. Season X treatment (P less than .05) reflected on early recrudescence of LH, FSH and testosterone concentrations in S-L stallions followed by earlier regression. Except for FSH hormone concentrations were depressed in S-S stallions. Number of LH pulses per 24 h was unaffected by season, treatment or their interaction. Mean amplitude of LH pulses was affected (P less than .05) by season X treatment; maximal values occurred in April vs February for control and S-L stallions, and minimal values occurred in December vs April. The season X treatment interaction (P less than .05) similarly affected basal concentrations of LH. Thus, seasonal changes in concentrations of LH, FSH and testosterone can be driven by photoperiod. Increased peripheral concentrations of LH during seasonal recrudescence of reproductive function apparently results from more LH secreted per discharge without an increased frequency of LH discharges.     

Pituitary responsiveness to GnRH, hypothalamic content of GnRH and pituitary LH and FSH concentrations immediately preceding puberty in gilts

To determine whether pituitary concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or hypothalamic content of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) change before puberty, 40 prepubertal gilts averaging 7 mo of age were slaughtered before or on the second, third or fourth day after relocation and boar exposure. Some gilts responded to relocation and boar exposure as indicated by swollen vulvae, turgid uteri and enlarged ovarian follicles at the time of slaughter. Pituitary concentrations of LH and FSH and hypothalamic content of GnRH were similar between gilts that responded to relocation and boar exposure and gilts that did not respond. In addition, boar exposure and relocation had no effect on pituitary concentrations of LH and FSH or on hypothalamic content of GnRH. To determine whether pituitary responsiveness to GnRH changes before puberty, a third experiment was conducted in which 72 gilts were injected with 400 micrograms of GnRH either before or on the second, third or fourth day after relocation and boar exposure. In gilts that subsequently responded (i.e., ovulated) as a result of relocation and boar exposure, pituitary responsiveness to GnRH was reduced as compared with gilts that failed to ovulate after relocation and boar exposure. Peak concentrations of serum LH after GnRH injection were 4.6 +/- 1.3 vs 9.8 +/- .8 ng/ml for responders vs nonresponders. Peak serum FSH after GnRH injection was also lower for responders than for nonresponders (29.5 +/- 4.2 vs 41.2 +/- 2.4 ng/ml). When compared with controls, relocation and boar exposure did not significantly affect GnRH-induced release of LH and FSH.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Alterations in the ability of the bovine pituitary gland to secrete gonadotropins in vitro during the first follicle-stimulating hormone increase of the estrous cycle and in response to exogenous steroids

The objective was to determine if the endocrine status of the animal dictates the responsiveness of gonadotrophs to estradiol, activin, inhibin and follistatin; hormones implicated in the differential release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Bovine pituitaries were obtained at 13 (n=8), 30 (n=24) and 66 (n=8) h after the onset of estrus, corresponding to before, during and the end of the first FSH increase of the estrous cycle which follows the pre-ovulatory gonadotropin surge in heifers. Heifers slaughtered at 30 h received no treatment, or were treated with progesterone with or without estradiol before slaughter to suppress the first transient FSH increase. Secretion of FSH from cultured pituitary cells, reflecting the prior in vivo status, was greater (P<0.01) at 30 h than 13 or 66 h, whereas, LH secretion was less (P<0.01) at 13 h compared with 30 h. Treatment with exogenous steroids decreased (P<0.05) the pituitary gland's ability to subsequently secrete FSH and LH. Inhibin and, to a greater extent, estradiol decreased (P<0.01) mean FSH secretion but increased (P<0.05) mean LH secretion. These findings suggest that estradiol and inhibin both have the ability to differentially modulate basal gonadotropin secretion during the first FSH increase of the bovine estrous cycle. Differential regulation of LH and FSH is mediated via an alteration in gonadotropin biosynthesis and basal secretion. Furthermore, the secretory capability of cultured pituitary cells and basal gonadotropin secretion reflect the prior endocrine status of the animal from which pituitaries were obtained.     

Endocrine mechanisms responsible for different follicular development during the estrous cycle in Hatano high- and low-avoidance rats

Hatano high- and low-avoidance rats (HAA and LAA strains, respectively) were selected and bred according to the avoidance rate in a shuttle-box task. Although they have clear strain differences in ovarian function, their endocrine mechanisms still remain to be clarified. Differences in female reproductive endocrinology between the strains were investigated by means of measuring the plasma concentration of reproductive hormones during the estrous cycle. LAA rats showed approximately threefold lower basal and surge levels of LH, a more than fourfold lower level of FSH surges and higher levels of inhibin A and inhibin B during the estrous cycle compared with the levels seen in HAA rats. The concentration of estradiol-17β in the proestrous stage was significantly lower in LAA rats than in HAA rats. Additionally, LH and FSH secretions from primary cultured anterior pituitary cells with or without in vitro GnRH stimulation were lower in the cells derived from LAA rats and, in terms of FSH secretion, were unresponsive to GnRH in contrast to cells derived from HAA rats. Although an increased number of preantral follicles in diestrus were observed in LAA rats, number of hCG-induced ovulation was lower in LAA rats. LAA rats may have much more follicle growth during the early stage of folliculogenesis, but most follicles might not grow into mature follicles. These results strongly suggest that the strain difference in ovarian function of these two Hatano rats is due to the difference in the regulation of hypothalamo-hypophyseal system for gonadotropins secretion.     

4-Nitro-3-phenylphenol has both androgenic and anti-androgenic-like effects in rats

To investigate the effect of endocrine disruption of 4-nitro-3-phenylphenol (PNMPP) on immature male Wistar-Imamichi rats, the rat pituitary was exposed to PNMPP (10^–5–10^–9 M) for 24 h with or without gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in experiment I. In addition, the Leydig cells (10^–5–10^–9 M) were exposed to PNMPP for 24 h with or without human chronic gonadotropin (hCG) in experiment II. Our results showed that the PNMPP at 10^–5–10^–7 M suppressed follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) productions from GnRH-stimulated pituitary cells. At the same time, PNMPP 10^–5–10^–7 M induced an increase in testosterone production from the Leydig cells treated with or without hCG. Based on our results, it can be concluded that that PNMPP might have both androgen agonist action by decreasing FSH and LH production in the pituitary and anti-androgenic action by increasing testosterone production in the Leydig cell.     

维生素、矿物质与能量蛋白质水平对浙东白鹅母鹅繁殖性能、血液生殖激素浓度及生殖轴相关基因mRNA相对表达量的影响

本试验通过在饲粮中添加维生素与矿物质、调整饲粮能量蛋白质水平,旨在研究其对浙东白鹅母鹅繁殖性能、血液生殖激素浓度和生殖轴相关基因mRNA相对表达量的影响.选择138只月龄相近的浙东白鹅种母鹅,按体重相近原则分为3组,分别饲喂不同的饲粮,试验期150 d,测定繁殖性能(平均产蛋数、平均蛋重、受精率和孵化率)、血液生殖激素[卵泡刺激素(FSH)、促黄体生成素(LH)、孕酮(P4)、雌二醇(E2)、催乳素(PRL)]浓度和生殖轴相关基因[促性腺激素释放激素(GnRH)、卵泡刺激素-β(FSHβ)、雌激素受体1(ESR1)、雌激素受体2(ESR2)、卵泡刺激素受体(FSHR)、催乳素(PRL)、催乳素受体(PRLR)] mRNA相对表达量的变化.结果表明:1)添加维生素与矿物质可显著提高浙东白鹅母鹅第1产蛋周期平均蛋重和受精率(P＜0.05);提高第2产蛋周期内血液FSH和P4的浓度,降低LH浓度,改变E2、P4和PRL浓度波动(P＜0.05);下调下丘脑PRLR、垂体PRL和卵巢PRLR基因的mRNA相对表达量(P＜0.05),上调卵巢ESR2基因的mRNA相对表达量(P＜0.05).2)调整饲粮能量蛋白质水平可显著提高浙东白鹅母鹅第2产蛋周期平均蛋重(P＜0.05);提高浙东白鹅第2产蛋周期内血液LH浓度,降低FSH浓度,改变E2和P4浓度波动(P＜0.05);上调下丘脑GnRH、垂体PRL和PRLR基因的mRNA相对表达量(P＜0.05),下调卵巢FSHR基因的mRNA相对表达量(P＜0.05).由此得出,添加维生素与矿物质、调整饲粮能量蛋白质水平可通过影响产蛋周期内部分血液生殖激素浓度和波动,局部调节生殖轴相关基因的mRNA相对表达量,改善浙东白鹅母鹅的繁殖性能.     

Hypothalamic control of gonadotropin secretion by LHRH,FSHRF, NO,cytokines, and leptin

Gonadotropin secretion by the pituitary gland is under the control of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) and the putative follicle stimulating hormone-releasing factor (FSHRF). Lamprey III LHRH is a potent FSHRF in the rat and seems to be resident in the FSH controlling area of the rat hypothalamus. It is an analog of mammalian LHRH and may be the long sought FSHRF. Gonadal steroids feedback at hypothalamic and pituitary levels to either inhibit or stimulate the release of LH and FSH, which is also affected by inhibin and activin secreted by the gonads. Important control is exercised by acetylcholine, norepinephrine (NE), dopamine, serotonin, melatonin, and glutamic acid (GA). Furthermore, LH and FSH also act at the hypothalamic level to alter secretion of gonadotropins. More recently, growth factors have been shown to have an important role. Many peptides act to inhibit or increase release of LH and the sign of their action is often reversed by estrogen. A number of cytokines act at the hypothalamic level to suppress acutely the release of LH but not FSH. NE, GA, and oxytocin stimulate LHRH release by activation of neural nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). The pathway is as follows: oxytocin and/ or GA activate NE neurons in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) that activate NOergic neurons by alpha₁ (α₁) receptors. The NO released diffuses into LHRH terminals and induces LHRH release by activation of guanylate cyclase (GC) and cyclooxygenase. NO not only controls release of LHRH bound for the pituitary, but also that which induces mating by actions in the brain stem. An exciting recent development has been the discovery of the adipocyte hormone, leptin, a cytokine related to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α. In the male rat, leptin exhibits a high potency to stimulate FSH and LH release from hemipituitaries incubated in vitro, and increases the release of LHRH from MBH explants. LHRH and leptin release LH by activation of NOS in the gonadotropes. The NO released activates GC that releases cyclic GMP, which induces LH release. Leptin induces LH release in conscious, ovariectomized estrogen-primed female rats, presumably by stimulating LHRH release. At the effective dose of estrogen to activate LH release, FSH release is inhibited. Leptin may play an important role in induction of puberty and control of LHRH release in the adult as well.     

Effect of constant and of changing photoperiod on plasma LH and FSH concentrations and age at first egg in layer strains of domestic pullets

1. ISA Brown pullets were transferred from 8 to 14 h or from 14 to 8 h photoperiods at 35 or 56 d of age. Controls were maintained on constant 8 or 14 h photoperiods from day 1. 2. Blood samples were obtained immediately before each daylength change and subsequently at 7 d intervals until 1st egg in the treated groups and at 70 d of age and then at 14 d intervals until 1st egg in the constant photoperiod controls. Plasma luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were determined using homologous radioimmunoassays. 3. Prior to 16 weeks, LH was consistently higher in birds on constant 14 h photoperiods than in those on constant 8 h, but was down-regulated as birds approached maturity so that LH concentrations in the 2 groups were similar during the final 10 d before the first egg was laid. FSH concentrations rose steadily with age but with a tendency for concentrations to be higher in the 8 h than in the 14 h treatment. Birds on constant 8 h daylengths matured 18.3 d later than those on constant 14 h photoperiods. 4. A 6 h increment in photoperiod given at 35 d or 56 d, resulted in an increase in LH within 7 d in both cases. FSH concentration did not respond to an increase in photoperiod at 35 d but rose following the same increase at 56 d. This was associated with a 3-week advance in sexual maturity, whilst age at 1st egg in birds photostimulated at 35 d was similar to the age with a constant 14 h photoperiod. 5. LH concentration fell when photoperiod was reduced from 14 to 8 h at either 35 or 56 d and remained below the constant 8 h controls for many weeks before rising to a concentration not significantly different from other groups in the final 10 d before 1st egg. FSH concentrations in birds exposed to a decreased daylength at 35 d, although more oscillatory, were similar to the constant 8 h photoperiod controls. In birds exposed to the same decrease at 56 d, FSH concentration initially tumbled but was similar in the 2 groups during the latter stages of rearing; neither differed significantly from the constant daylength controls during the 60 d before 1st egg. Sexual maturity in both groups given a reduction in photoperiod was delayed by about 2 weeks compared with constant 8 h controls. 6. Change in FSH concentration following an increase in daylength was a better predictor of age at 1st egg than change in LH. However, FSH concentrations after 14 weeks of age were rather similar in short day and long day controls and in the 2 groups given reductions in photoperiod at 35 d and 56 d, despite differences of nearly 5 weeks in mean age at 1st egg amongst these 4 treatments.     

Concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and prolactin following transection of the pituitary stalk in ovariectomized ewes

Two experiments (Spring and Fall) were conducted in ovariectomized ewes to determine changes in pituitary hormone secretion immediately after pituitary stalk-transection. Ewes underwent either pituitary stalk-transection (SS), sham-transection (SH) or administration of anesthesia only (AO). Stalk-transected, but not sham-operated or anesthetized ewes had polyuria and polydipsia for 7 to 14 days after surgery. Concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin were measured in peripheral blood samples collected every 10 minutes for a six-hour period. Results were comparable for each season. During the six hours following surgery or removal from anesthesia, concentrations of LH declined in all ewes, but more slowly in SS ewes. No differences in patterns or mean concentrations of FSH were observed. Immediately after surgery, concentrations of prolactin were elevated, then declined in SH and SS ewes. The decrease was greater in SH than SS ewes. Data are consonant with the view that hypothalamic inhibition as well as LHRH stimulation regulate gonadotropin release by the pituitary.     

Seasonal and photoperiodic regulation of secretion of hormones associated with reproduction in Magang goose ganders

This study examined the reproductive endocrine profile under natural and artificial photoperiods in Magang goose ganders. Group 1 ganders (n=8) served as non-treated controls and were exposed to natural photoperiod throughout the experiment from 13th January to 17th December 2004. Group 2 ganders (n=8) were exposed to 18 h long daily photoperiod for 60 days from 13 January till 15 March 2004 and again to 16 h photoperiod for 75 days till 10th October 2004, and the 11h short photoperiod in the remainder periods of the experiment. In control ganders, plasma LH concentrations were high in normal breeding seasons (August-March) and decreased to low levels in non-breeding season from April to July. Testosterone concentrations changed similarly to that of LH throughout the seasons. Seasonal pattern of PRL concentrations was opposite to those of LH and testosterone, with low values in breeding season and high values in non-breeding season. In artificial photoperiod treated ganders, increasing photoperiod increased PRL and decreased LH and testosterone concentrations, while decreasing photoperiod reversed these changes. There were no seasonal or photoperiod caused changes in plasma T3 concentrations in both control ganders and artificial photoperiod treated ganders. These results demonstrated that in Magang goose ganders that long photoperiod stimulates PRL secretion and decreases LH secretion, which terminates reproductive season in spring and early summer, and short photoperiod stimulates LH secretion and inhibits PRL secretion rendering ganders enter into reproductive season.