Effects of estradiol on the prolactin surges and the feedback mechanisms of gonadotropins in pseudopregnant rats

The influences of estradiol on the prolactin (PRL) surges and on the secretion of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) were investigated in the pseudopregnancy (PSP) of acutely ovariectomized rats. The four following experimental groups were prepared: 1) intact PSP as a control, 2) ovariectomy was performed on day 0 of PSP (OVX), 3) a Silastic tube containing estradiol was implanted for day 1-4 into the OVX rats (OVX-E 1-4), and 4) the Silastic tube was implanted for day 5-8 by the same manner into the OVX rats (OVX-E 5-8). In the OVX group nocturnal (N) PRL surges were observed at 0500 h on days 4, 8 and 12 examined, and increased secretions of LH and FSH were noted. In the OVX-E 1-4 group, the N PRL surge was suppressed on day 4, and the suppressed N PRL surge did not occur on day 8, after the removal of the implanted tubes. Diurnal (D) PRL surges with LH surges were observed at 1700 h on day 4 in these rats. Similarly, more remarkable results were obtained on days 8 and 12 in the OVX-E 5-8 group than in the OVX-E 1-4.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)