Pituitary hormones and growth retardation in rats raised at simulated high altitude (3800m).

Growth and the endocrine status of the pituitary and thyroid glands were studied in rats born and raised in a hypobaric chamber at a simulated high altitude of 3800 m (SHA); comparisons were drawn with similar rats at sea level. From birth until 40 days of age, SHA rats weighed significantly less than controls with the most striking growth impairment found in female SHA rats. Relative organ weights of anterior pituitary glands, ovaries and uteri from 40-day-old female SHA rats were significantly less than controls. Pituitary content of growth hormone (GH) was reduced in 40-day-old female SHA rats while the content of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were significantly increased over sea level controls. Plasma levels of GH, LH, FSH and thyrotropin (TSH) and pituitary TSH levels did not differ from control values. However, thyroidal uptake of 131I and plasma protein-bound 131I were significantly reduced in SHA rats as compared with controls. It is suggested that (1) the continuous exposure of developing female rats to hypoxia significantly impairs pituitary function and reproductive maturation, and (2) that despite other environmental factors acting on the developing organism at high altitude, growth retardation in rats born and raised at high altitudes is primarily a consequence of hypoxia.     

Gonadal development and gonadotrophin secretion in the male vole (Microtus agrestis) after an abrupt change in photoperiod

Male voles were reared from birth to age 28 days in 6L:18D. Pairs of animals showing similar sexual development were assigned at random to 16L:8D or 6L:18D. Treatments continued for a further 56 days. Increase in the activity of the hypothalamo-hypophysial system occurred within 4 days of exposure to 16L:8D, as shown by significant elevation of plasma LH and FSH. Pituitary LH did not increase until Day 7, and pituitary FSH did not increase until Day 21. After exposure to 16L:8D for 4 days, pituitary FSH was lower than in corresponding animals in 6L:18D. These discrepancies between pituitary and plasma values of gonadotrophins indicate that increase in hormone release occurs before synthesis is fully stimulated. Enhanced output of testicular hormones probably began between Day 7 and Day 14, as indicated by an increase in seminal vesicle weight, yet plasma and pituitary concentrations of LH and FSH remained elevated. This suggests that long photoperiods may cause direct stimulation of the hypothalamo-hypophysial system which increasing values of testicular hormones are initially unable to inhibit. The response of this system in voles to an abrupt change from a non-stimulating to a stimulating photoperiod has a time course resembling that for the Soay ram but appreciably slower than for the Japanese quail.     

Simulation of long-haul flights in humans: prolonged mild hypoxia does not alter the circadian time structure of plasma testosterone and gonadotrophins

Mild hypobaric hypoxia caused by pressurisation may contribute to alter rhythmicity after long-haul flights, independently of the number of time zones crossed. In this controlled crossover study, we assessed the effects of two levels of hypoxia, equivalent to 8000 ft and 12,000 ft above sea level, on the rhythm of plasma concentrations of three hormones: testosterone, LH, and FSH. A hypoxia-induced decrease in LH and FSH has often been reported during mountaineering while testosterone is considered a marker of fatigue. Sixteen healthy male volunteers, aged 23-39 years, spent 8 h in a hypobaric chamber (08:00-16:30), simulating conditions at 8000 ft. This was followed by an additional 8 h four weeks later, simulating conditions at 12,000 ft. Plasma hormones were assayed every 2 h over two 24-h cycles (control and hypoxic-exposure cycles). We found no significant effects of hypoxia on the circadian profile of the gonadal axis hormones and, therefore, conclude that these hormones do not serve as valuable markers of post-flight alterations of the circadian system in human.     

Influence of exposure to moderate altitude on the plasma concentraton of cortisol, aldosterone, renin, testosterone, and gonadotropins

The influence of 11 days at moderate altitude (2,000 m) combined with exercise on plasma concentration of testosterone, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), cortisol, aldosterone, and renin activity was studied in ten healthy subjects. Within 48 h of arrival at moderate altitude a significant increase in testosterone was found whereas FSH had decreased significantly and LH showed a tendency to decrease. Cortisol increased significantly at the beginning and reached a maximum at the end of altitude exposure. The plasma aldosterone level rose continuously and on the last day of altitude was significantly elevated. Plasma renin activity showed a tendency to decrease. On return to low land all measured parameters returned to base line values within 2 days. The findings of increases in plasma levels of aldosterone and testosterone (and serum T3 and T4, as reported by others) are in contrast to the previously found decrease of urinary excretion of all these hormones. This appears to be a distinct dissociation of serum levels of adrenal (and thyroid) hormones from their urinary excretion. The observed increase in plasma aldosterone is probably mediated through ACTH and the rise in plasma potassium, since plasma renin activity showed an opposite trend. The rise in plasma testosterone is probably of adrenal origin since plasma gonadotropins declined simultaneously. The increase of plasma levels of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens after an ascent from 600 m to 2,000 m above sea level is compatible with an ACTH-mediated stimulation of the entire adrenal cortex and/or a diminished elimination of adrenal steroids: The concomitant fall of FSH, LH, and plasma renin would then be a consequence of a direct negative feedback inhibition of these hormones.     

Feedback regulation of gonadotropic hormone secretion in neonatal pigs

The effect of castration and of administration of charcoal-treated porcine follicular fluid (pFF) containing inhibin-like activity on plasma concentration of gonadotropic hormones was studied in neonatal pigs. Plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration averaged 25.1 +/- 1.5 ng/ml (mean +/- SEM) in 1-wk-old females and gradually declined to 20.2 +/- 0.7 ng/ml 6 wk later. Ovariectomy did not significantly influence plasma FSH concentration. In males, concentration averaged 8.0 +/- 0.7 ng/ml before castration but rose significantly within 2 days after castration. Injection of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) did not influence plasma FSH concentrations in intact males, but did in females and in 7-wk-old males castrated at 1 wk. Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations in 1-wk-old females (2.2 +/- 0.4 ng/ml) gradually declined and were not influenced by castration. Concentrations of plasma LH in 1-wk-old male piglets (2.8 +/- 0.7 ng/ml) were not significantly influenced by castration within 2 days but were significantly higher 6 wk later. LHRH induced a significant rise in plasma LH concentrations in all animals. Injection of pFF resulted in a decline of plasma FSH concentrations in intact and castrated males and in intact females, but did not influence plasma LH concentrations. These data demonstrate a sex-specific difference in the control of plasma FSH, but not in plasma LH concentration in the neonatal pig. Plasma FSH concentrations, but not plasma LH concentrations, are suppressed by testicular hormones in 1-wk-old piglets. Plasma FSH concentrations can be suppressed in both neonatal male and female pigs by injections of pFF.     

Adenohypophyseal hormone response to chronic stress in dexamethasone-treated rats.

The influence of dexamethasone treatment on the basal values of corticosterone, GH, prolactin (PRL), LH and FSH, as well as on the adenohypophyseal hormone response to chronic stress was studied in female rats. Dexamethasone acetate (25 micrograms/100 b.w.), given by gavage twice daily for 10 days, decreased the resting plasma levels of corticosterone, GH, LH and PRL, whereas the FSH titers remained normal. The secretion of ACTH (evaluated indirectly through corticosterone concentrations) and of GH appeared to be most sensitive to the suppressive effect of dexamethasone. The same hormonal response pattern was induced by 8 h of daily immobilization for 10 days, except that ACTH release was enhanced and the plasma LH titers dropped more drastically. Dexamethasone administration in combination with restraint did not alter the characteristic hormonal profile of chronic stress, despite the fact that ACTH secretion was completely blocked. These data suggest that the inhibition of PRL, LH and GH secretion following severe, chronic stress is not causally related to the sustained elevation of plasma ACTH.     

Lithium-induced changes in the plasma and pituitary levels of luteinizing hormone,follicle stimulating hormone and prolactin in rats

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, maintained under a controlled photoperiod of LD 14:10 (white lights on at 06:00 h, CST), were injected with lithium chloride and changes in the levels of plasma and pituitary homogenates of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin (PRL) were examined to evaluate the effects of this anti-manic drug on reproductive function. Two groups of rats were injected with lithium chloride intraperitoneally, twice daily at 09:00 and 16:00 h, for 2 and 7 days at a dosage of 2.5 meg/Kg body weight. Plasma and pituitary levels of LH, FSH and PRL were measured by radioimmunoassay. Plasma levels of LH were significantly (P<0.05) increased after 2 days of lithium treatment. In contrast, a significant (P<0.005) reduction in plasma levels of LH was evident when lithium injections were continued for 7 days. The plasma levels of FSH remained unaffected by lithium treatment by either time period. Lithium administered for 2 days did not bring about any significant alteration in the plasma levels of PRL, although there was a significant (P<0.002) reduction in plasma PRL levels after 7 days treatment. The concentrations of pituitary LH, FSH and PRL remained unchanged after 2 and 7 days of lithium treatment.     

Release of lutropin (LH) and follitropin (FSH) in cattle after administration of a new gonadoliberin (GnRH) analogue in comparison with the gonadoliberin decapeptide.

A gonadoliberin (GnRH) analogue nonapeptide (Hoe 766) was administered intramuscularly in concentrations between 2.5 and 50 μg to m?ture cows in order to study the response of lutropin (LH) and follitropin (FSH). Results were compared with those from experiments of the GnRH decapeptide (Hoe 471). Plasma LH and FSH were radio-immunologically determined. Increasing doses of GnRH analogue up to 15–20 μg caused an approximately linear increase in total plasma LH and FSH until the response reached a plateau. With these amounts peak values were about 60 fold higher for LH and 3.5 fold higher for FSH than basal levels about 135 minutes after injection. Higher values lasted for more than 6 h for LH and about 5 h for FSH. The LH response was much greater and more prolonged than for FSH.Doses of the nonapeptide analogue 50 to 70 times lower than the GnRH decapeptide provoked about the same height and duration of LH and FSH response.     

模拟高原低氧对新生大鼠肾上腺皮质功能发育的影晌

本文探讨新生大鼠肾上腺皮质对高原低氧的应答及模拟高原低氧对其功能发育的影响。结果表明,当不同日龄大鼠暴露于５ｋｍ及７ｋｍ海拔２４ｈ,７ｄ、１４ｄ龄大鼠肾上腺皮质无明显应答反应。２１ｄ及２８ｄ龄大鼠肾上腺皮质酮水平随海拔增高而增加,血浆皮质酮表现为抑制作用。当１ｄ龄新生大鼠在５ｋｍ海拔高度发育３ｄ和７ｄ,其肾上腺皮质功能无异于正常发育大鼠;但发育１４ｄ、２１ｄ及２８ｄ,其血液及肾上腺中皮质酮含量均明显低于对照组,肾上腺皮质功能发育严重受抑     

Adrenal lipid profiles of chemically sympathectomized normoxic and hypoxic neonatal rats.

Neonatal hypoxia is a common condition that elicits a coordinated endocrine response. In the neonatal rat, hypoxia induces an ACTH-independent increase in corticosterone which can be partially blocked by chemical sympathectomy. The present study sought to characterize the effects of sympathectomy on the adrenal lipid profile, since previous work suggested that augmented plasma corticosterone during hypoxia may be due to changes in adrenal lipid metabolism. Newborn rats were exposed to normoxia or hypoxia from birth to seven days of age, and guanethidine was used to produce the sympathectomy. Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine were not significantly affected by hypoxia, while guanethidine decreased plasma norepinephrine in normoxic and hypoxic pups. Hypoxia alone increased the concentration of cholesterol esters in the adrenal gland; this increase was due to increases in cholesterol ester-associated oleic (18:1n9), docosahexaenoic (22:6n3), arachidonic (20:4n6), and adrenic (22:4n6) acids. Hypoxia also increased diglyceride-associated adrenic acid. Guanethidine treatment attenuated the hypoxia-induced increase in cholesterol ester-bound arachidonic and adrenic acids. Guanethidine also decreased saturated fatty acid concentrations and increased n3 fatty acid-enriched triglycerides. The results support the idea that the ACTH-independent corticosterone response to hypoxia in the neonatal rat is mediated by specific, sympathetically driven alterations in the adrenal lipid profile.     

慢性间歇性低压低氧对大鼠动脉血管收缩功能的影响

本研究旨在探讨慢性间歇性低压低氧(chronicintermittent hypobaric hypoxia,CIHH)对大鼠胸主动脉和肺动脉收缩功能的影响及其机制.雄性Sprague-Dawley大鼠随机分为4组:CIHH处理14天组(CIHH 14)、28天组(CIHH 28)、42天组(CIHH 42)和对照组(...     

Plasma corticosterone concentrations in the perinatal rat

1. Plasma corticosterone concentrations were determined in the foetal rat during the gestational period from day 18·5 to term and in postnatal rats over the first few hours after delivery. 2. The plasma corticosterone concentrations in foetal rats are as high as six times maternal values at day 19 of gestation and are approximately equal to maternal values from day 20 to term. 3. In postnatal rats the plasma corticosterone concentrations rise 3·5-fold on average within 5hr. of delivery. 4. The results are discussed in relation to the function of adrenal steroids in postnatal liver development.     

Oestradiol-17beta, progesterone, FSH and LH in prepubertal calves induced to superovulate

Fluorogestone acetate (vaginal sponge for 4 days) and PMSG (i.m. injection at the time of sponge insertion) treatment was administered to seven 3-month-old calves to induce superovulation. Samples of peripheral plasma were taken every 4 h during treatment (4 days) and then every 2 h for 7 days. FSH, LH, oestradiol and progesterone were measured by radioimmunoassays. In all calves oestradiol concentrations increased 24 h after PMSG injection and reached the highest levels (41-502 pg/ml) during the preovulatory surge of both gonadotropins. The surge of LH and FSH occurred from 12 to 22 h after cessation of treatment. The maximum levels of LH and FSH were 11-72 ng/ml and 23-40 ng/ml respectively and occurred within 4 h of each other. Between 40 and 68 h after the LH peak the concentrations of progesterone began to increase from basal values, reaching 24.0-101.7 ng/ml when the animals were killed. A quantitative relationship was found between plasma oestradiol concentration and the numbers of ovulating follicles. Progesterone levels seemed to be related to the numbers of corpora lutea and also to the numbers of unovulated follicles. Gonadotrophin output was not quantitatively related to ovarian activity or to steroid secretion.     

Polycystic ovarian condition in estradiol valerate-treated rats: spontaneous changes in characteristic endocrine features

A chronic anovulatory polycystic ovarian (PCO) condition can be induced in rats with estradiol valerate (EV). We have previously shown that the early stages (8-10 wk after EV treatment) of the condition are characterized by low basal plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol concentrations, as well as poor LH responsiveness to LH-releasing hormone (LHRH). These observations suggested that alterations in pituitary LH secretory activity may be involved in induction and maintenance of the PCO condition. In order to examine this possibility we have measured basal plasma LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations at various times (6, 15, 20 and 22 wk) after treatment with EV. AT 22 wk animals were subjected to a double LHRH pulse or equivalent treatment with saline. Basal plasma LH concentrations in EV-treated animals doubled between 6 and 22 wk. Despite this sharp increase, basal plasma LH concentrations at 22 wk were still significantly lower in EV-treated animals compared to proestrous controls. Basal FSH in EV-treated animals, remained in the proestrous range throughout the 22-wk period. Pituitary FSH and LH secretions in response to the LHRH challenge were significantly greater in EV-treated animals compared to proestrous controls. Plasma estradiol was significantly greater at 22 wk post-EV treatment than at 9 wk and this difference was reflected in the histology of the endometrium. These results indicate that a PCO condition is compatible with radical alterations in basal LH, and responsiveness to LHRH. Thus, aberrations in the ability to secrete LH do not appear to be causal in maintaining the condition.     

Differences in the plasma concentrations of FSH and LH in ovariectomized Booroola FF and ++ ewes

During 12 sampling days before ovariectomy the mean plasma FSH but not LH concentrations in FF ewes were higher (P less than 0.01) than those in ++ ewes (16 ewes/genotype). After ovariectomy increases in the concentrations of FSH and LH were noted for ewes of both genotypes within 3-4 h and the rates of increase of FSH and LH were 0.18 ng ml-1 h-1 and 0.09 ng ml-1 h-1 respectively for the first 15 h. From Days 1 to 12 after ovariectomy, the overall mean +/- s.e.m. concentrations for FSH in the FF and ++ ewes were 8.1 +/- 0.6 and 7.1 +/- 0.4 ng/ml respectively and for LH they were 2.7 +/- 0.3 and 2.1 +/- 0.2 ng/ml: these differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.09 for both FSH and LH; Student's t test). However, when the frequencies of high FSH or LH values after ovariectomy were compared with respect to genotype over time, significant F gene-specific differences were noted (P less than 0.01 for both FSH and LH; median test). In Exp. 2 another 21 ewes/genotype were blood sampled every 2nd day from Days 2 to 60 after ovariectomy and the plasma concentrations of FSH and LH were more frequently higher in FF than in ++ ewes (P less than 0.01 for FSH and LH). The F gene-specific differences in LH concentration, observed at 21-36 days after ovariectomy were due to higher mean LH amplitudes (P less than 0.025) but not LH peak frequency in FF than in ++ ewes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Hypobaric impact on clinical tolerance and 24-h patterns in iron metabolism markers and plasma proteins in men

Long-distance flights can cause a number of clinical problems due to mild hypoxia resulting from cabin pressurization. Using a chronobiological approach, the aim of this work was to assess the clinical tolerance and biological impact of daytime exposure to hypobaric hypoxia on markers of iron metabolism and plasma proteins. Fourteen healthy, male volunteers, ages 23 to 39 yrs, spent 8.5 h in a hypobaric chamber (from 07:45 to 16:15 h) simulating an altitude of 8000 ft. This was followed by another 8.5-h session 4 wks later simulating conditions at an altitude of 12,000 ft. Biological variables were assayed every 2 h over two 24-h spans (control and hypoxia spans, respectively) per simulated altitude. Whereas most of the subjects tolerated the 8000 ft exposure well, eight subjects (57%) presented clear clinical signs of hypoxic intolerance at 12,000 ft. The 24-h blood iron profile showed a biphasic pattern at both altitude simulations, with a significant (～40%) increase during hypoxia, followed by a (～25%) decrease during the first hours of recovery. The iron circadian rhythm showed a significant phase delay during the hypoxic exposure at 8000 ft vs. reference. Mean 24-h ferritin levels decreased at both altitudes, but mainly during the nighttime after the 12,000 ft exposure in accordance with Cosinor analysis. The transferrin and total plasma proteins 24-h profiles did not show significant change. Moreover, significant differences, mainly in iron, ferritin, and transferrin, were found at 12,000 ft according to the clinical tolerance to hypoxia, and significant correlations were found between the mid-range crossing times, i.e., here half-descent times (d-T(50)), for ferritin and total plasma proteins and the reported level of clinical discomfort under hypoxia. This study shows that an 8.5-h exposure to mild hypoxia is able to alter very quickly the 24-h pattern of iron and ferritin. These alterations seem to depend, at least in part, on the clinical tolerance to hypoxia and may help explain the interindividual differences observed in the tolerance to hypoxia.     

Effect of castration on plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in adult Merino rams which were homozygous carriers or non-carriers of the Booroola fecundity gene

Before castration, the mean plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) did not differ between FF and ++ Booroola rams. After castration, mean LH and FSH concentrations increased after 8 h, and for the next 14 days the rate of increase in FSH, but not LH, secretion was significantly faster in FF than in ++ rams (P less than 0.05). Mean FSH concentrations over this period were significantly higher in FF than in ++ rams (P less than 0.05). In both genotypes, the ranked FSH values did not significantly change their order over time, i.e. a significant within-ram effect was noted (P less than 0.05). Repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated a significant effect of genotype on mean FSH secretion (P less than 0.05) and a significant effect of sire in the FF (P less than 0.05), but not the ++ (P = 0.76), genotype. From Day 28 to Day 58 after castration, FSH and LH concentrations were variable and no overall increases in concentrations were observed. The mean concentrations of both hormones over this period were not related to genotype. There were no gene-specific differences in pulsatile LH secretion 14 weeks after castration. However, the mean LH, but not FSH, response to a bolus injection of 25 micrograms of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) was significantly higher in FF than in ++ rams (P less than 0.05) and this was not significantly affected by sire. These studies support the hypothesis that the F gene is expressed in adult rams, in terms of pituitary responsiveness to an injection of GnRH and to the removal of the testes, but it is not clear from this study whether the influence of sire is related to or independent of the apparent gene-specific differences.     

Plasma gonadotrophin and ovarian steroid concentrations in women with menstrual cycles with a short luteal phase

Daily plasma concentrations of FSH, LH, oestradiol-17 beta and progesterone were compared for 12 cycles with a short luteal phase and 19 cycles with a luteal phase of normal length (i.e. cycles in which the luteal phase lasted 12 or more days). FSH and LH concentrations were suppressed in short luteal-phase cycles in the early follicular phase and the length of the follicular phase was prolonged (median duration, 14.5 days, range 13-21 days: compared with 12 days, range 9-17, in control cycles; P less than 0.025). Preovulatory oestradiol-17 beta values and the mid-cycle concentrations of FSH and LH were similar in both groups. Plasma progesterone values in the luteal phase were similar in both groups over the 2nd to 5th days inclusive after the midcycle LH peak but declined in the short luteal phases thereafter. In short luteal-phase cycles, menstruation occurred in the presence of higher levels of oestradiol-17 beta and progesterone than in cycles of normal length and the rise of gonadotrophin in the late luteal phase of the cycle was delayed. These findings suggest that in cycles with a short luteal phase there is a lack of synchrony between the ovarian and menstrual events.     

Plasma concentrations of gonadotrophins, preovulatory follicular development and luteal function associated with bovine follicular fluid-induced delay of oestrus in heifers

In Exp. 1, injections of 10 ml bovine follicular fluid (bFF, i.v. or s.c.), given twice daily for 3 days after injection of a luteolytic dose of PGF-2 alpha, delayed the onset of oestrus in 3 of 6 heifers to 8 or 9 days after PGF-2 alpha, as compared with 2 or 3 days after PGF-2 alpha in control heifers. Mean plasma concentrations of FSH and LH during the injection period were not different from those in saline-injected heifers. In Exp. 2, i.v. injections of 20 ml bFF twice daily for 3 days uniformly delayed oestrus to 8 days after PGF-2 alpha (N = 4) and injections of 20 ml bFF i.v. every 6 h for 24h on the day of PGF-2 alpha injection delayed oestrus to 5.0 +/- 0.6 days after PGF-2 alpha as compared with 2.8 +/- 0.3 days for control heifers. In both treatment groups, plasma concentrations of FSH were suppressed during the injection period and increased transiently after treatment, but plasma concentrations of LH during the injection period were not different from those of control heifers. Plasma levels of oestradiol in heifers given bFF remained basal for 2 or 3 days after treatment, then increased several days before the delayed oestrus, in a manner similar to that in control heifers, and elicited normal preovulatory surges of LH and FSH. Plasma concentrations of progesterone and the length of the next oestrous cycle were normal, indicating formation of functional corpora lutea. Therefore, bFF treatments appear to delay oestrus by selectively suppressing plasma FSH, without affecting LH, and delaying the development of the preovulatory follicle. These results suggest that FSH may be critical to support the growth and development of the preovulatory follicle after luteolysis in cows.     

Circulating concentrations of inhibin-related proteins during the ovulatory cycle of the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) and after induced cessation of egg laying

Circulating inhibin A, inhibin B, activin A, total immunoreactive inhibin alpha-subunit (ir-alpha inhibin), LH, FSH and progesterone concentrations were measured throughout the normal ovulatory cycle and after cessation of egg laying induced by feed restriction to investigate the potential involvement of inhibins and activins in the ovulatory cycle of the domestic hen. Plasma inhibin A varied significantly (P < 0.05) during the ovulatory cycle; the concentration was highest at the preovulatory LH surge and reached a nadir 10 h later, at about the time the F(2) follicle makes the transition to become the new F(1) follicle. Plasma FSH concentrations did not change significantly throughout the cycle and showed no correlation with inhibin A. Total ir-alpha inhibin concentrations were much higher than those of inhibin A at all stages of the ovulatory cycle and showed no correlation with inhibin A or FSH. Plasma concentrations of inhibin B and of activin A were below the detection limit of the assays in all plasma samples analysed. In the feed restriction study, plasma inhibin A and total ir-alpha inhibin showed little change until the last day of oviposition (day 0) after which they fell significantly (P < 0.05) and remained low to the end of the experiment (approximately 70-78% decrease relative to day -4). Conversely, plasma FSH increased after cessation of laying and was significantly higher (P < 0.05) from day 3 to the end of the study (approximately 50% increase on day 6 relative to day -4). Plasma FSH values were negatively correlated with inhibin A (r = -0.39; P < 0.005) and total ir-alpha inhibin (r = -0.36; P < 0.005). Plasma LH and progesterone also decreased (P < 0.05) during feed restriction. The decrease in LH preceded the terminal oviposition and the associated fall in inhibin A by 2 days; there was a positive correlation between LH and inhibin A (r = 0.35; P < 0.005). Taken together these findings support (i) a role for LH in promoting inhibin A secretion by preovulatory follicles and (ii) an endocrine role for inhibin A secreted by preovulatory follicles in the maintenance of tonic FSH secretion in laying hens.