Abstract
Push-pull cannulae were implanted into the preoptic area and into the mediobasal hypothalamic median eminence complex of ovariectomized rhesus monkeys. After recovery, perfusion of the implanted areas was performed over a period of 56 h before and following estradiol benzoate treatment. This treatment results in a drop of LH levels followed by an increase. Catecholamine (norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine) concentrations in perfusates collected at 15 min intervals fluctuated tremendously prior to treatment with the estrogen. These fluctuations were largely reduced in perfusates of both structures following the estrogen treatment. They reoccurred at the time of increasing LH levels. β-endorphin and GABA concentrations were also mesured in the perfusates of both structures. Occasional secretory bursts were observed without any obvious relation to the estrogen treatment. It is concluded that catecholamine release in the preoptic area and in the mediobasal hypothalamic median eminence complex is of a pulsatile nature in ovariectomized rhesus monkeys. This pulsatility is largely reduced or abolished following estrogen treatment. The reduced pulsatility may bear a signal character for the release of LH.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 224-228 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Experimental Brain Research |
Volume | 65 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1986 |
Keywords
- GABA-β endorphine
- Katecholamines
- Medial basal hypothalamus
- Preoptic area
- Push-pull perfusion
- Rhesus monkey
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience