Neuroendocrinology

Reproductive Neuroendocrinology

Effect of Adrenalectomy on Mating-Induced Prolactin Surges and Pseudopregnancy in the Female Rat

Cameron N. · Ha G.K. · Erskine M.S.

Author affiliations

Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Mass., USA

Keywords: AdrenalectomyProlactinMatingPseudopregnancyPregnancyReproductive behaviourGonadal steroidsAdrenal steroids

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Neuroendocrinology 2003;78:138–146
https://doi.org/10.1159/000072795

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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology

Received: March 25, 2003
Accepted: July 03, 2003
Published online: October 02, 2003
Issue release date: September 2003

Number of Print Pages: 9
Number of Figures: 4
Number of Tables: 2

ISSN: 0028-3835 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0194 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/NEN

Abstract

In the estrous female rat, mating stimulation induces an acute surge of prolactin (PRL) within 20 min after mating followed by the onset of twice-daily PRL surges which persist for an 8- to 13-day period of acyclicity called pseudopregnancy. In Experiment 1, we examined whether the release of adrenal hormones after mating modulates mating-induced PRL secretion during the first 38 h after mating. Ovariectomized females were adrenalectomized (Adx) or sham-operated (Sham) and were implanted with jugular vein catheters 2 days later. They were given estrogen and progesterone and mated 6 days after the last surgery until they received 15 intromissions or 15 mounts-without-intromission from a male. Blood samples were collected beginning 20 min before mating at 23:00 h and continuing for 38 h. Plasma PRL concentrations were measured using radioimmunoassay. Mating that included intromissions induced an acute (20-min) PRL response which was higher in Adx than in Sham animals, and advanced in the Adx animals in the onset of the first daily PRL surge to 10:00 h, some 18 h before the surge was observed at 04:00 h in the Sham-mated animals. A small but measurable nocturnal surge was observed in Adx and Sham groups 18–24 h later at 04:00–10:00 h. In Experiment 2, Adx- and Sham-cycling animals received 5 (5I) or 7 (7I) intromissions from a male 12–16 days after surgery. Adx animals receiving 5I showed a significantly higher incidence of pregnancy or pseudopregnancy (%P/PSP) than did Sham 5I animals, while there was no difference in %P/PSP in the 7I groups. We conclude that adrenal gland secretions normally suppress plasma PRL concentrations immediately post-mating and before the onset of the nocturnal mating-induced PRL surge and also inhibit pseudopregnancy when females receive a subthreshold number of intromissions normally required for its induction.

© 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel



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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology

Received: March 25, 2003
Accepted: July 03, 2003
Published online: October 02, 2003
Issue release date: September 2003

Number of Print Pages: 9
Number of Figures: 4
Number of Tables: 2

ISSN: 0028-3835 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0194 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/NEN

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2003, Vol.78, No. 3

September 2003

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