Differential regulation of gonadotropin subunit messenger ribonucleic acids by gonadotropin- releasing hormone pulse frequency in ewes

K. Leung, Alan H. Kaynard, Bryan P. Negrini, Kyoon E. Kim, Richard A. Maurer, Thomas D. Landefeld

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

66 Scopus citations

Abstract

Changes in the frequency of GnRH and LH pulses have been shown to occur between the luteal and preovulatory periods in the ovine estrous cycle. We examined the effect of these different frequencies of GnRH pulses on pituitary concentrations of LH and FSH subunit mRNAs. Eighteen ovariectomized ewes were implanted with progesterone to eliminate endogenous GnRH release during the nonbreeding season. These animals then received 3 ng/kg body weight GnRH in frequencies of once every 4, 1, or 0.5 h for 4 days. These frequencies represent those observed during the luteal and follicular phases, and the preovulatory LH and FSH surge of the ovine estrous cycle, respectively. On day 4, the ewes were killed and their anterior pituitary glands were removed for measurements of pituitary LH, FSH, and their subunit mRNAs. Pituitary content of LH and FSH, as assessed by RIA, did not change (P > 0.10) in response to the three different GnRH pulse frequencies. However, subunit mRNA concentrations, assessed by solution hybridization assays and expressed as femtomoles per mg total RNA, did change as a result of different GnRH frequencies. amRNA concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) when the GnRH pulse frequency was 1/0.5 h and 1 h, whereas LHβ and FSHβ mRNA concentrations were maximal (P < 0.05) only at a pulse frequency of 1/h. Additionally, pituitary LH and FSH secretory response to GnRH on day 4 was maximal (P = 0.05) when the pulse infusion was 1/h. We conclude that different frequencies of GnRH pulses can regulate α- and β-subunits of LH and FSH in a differential fashion. Furthermore, the ability of the pituitary gland to secrete LH and FSH in response to GnRH may be related to LH and FSH β-subunit mRNA concentrations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)724-728
Number of pages5
JournalMolecular Endocrinology
Volume1
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1987
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Endocrinology

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