EFFECT OF CORTISOL AND DEXAMETHASONE ON THE OESTROGEN-INDUCED RELEASE OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE IN THE ANOESTROUS EWE

Abstract

The oestrogen-induced release of LH in anoestrous ewes was used as a model for studying the effect that glucocorticoids have on the secretion of LH. It was found that neither the repeated administration of the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, nor the infusion of cortisol blocked the oestrogen-induced release of LH in the anoestrous ewe. These findings indicate that, in the ewe, glucocorticoids do not alter the ability of oestrogen to induce LH secretion.