OESTROGEN-INDUCED CHANGES IN THE SECRETION OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE CAUSED BY CONTINUOUS INFUSIONS OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE RELEASING HORMONE IN THE LONG-TERM OVARIECTOMIZED RAT

Abstract

SUMMARY: Oestrogen-induced changes in luteinizing hormone secretion, caused by continuous infusions of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LH-RH), appear to depend on the duration of exposure of the pituitary gland to the releasing hormone. The initial oestrogen-induced depression of the potential response of the pituitary gland to LH-RH, which always seems to occur, does not necessarily turn into an enhancement of this potential response. It is suggested that this may be due to the fact that the response of the pituitary gland to LH-RH infusions is a continuously changing parameter influenced by oestrogen.