EFFECTS OF 2-HYDROXYOESTRADIOL-17-BETA ON PLASMA LUTEINIZING-HORMONE, FOLLICLE-STIMULATING-HORMONE AND PROLACTIN, AND NUCLEAR TRANSLOCATION OF PITUITARY ESTROGEN-RECEPTORS IN OVARIECTOMIZED EWES

Abstract

The ability of oestradiol-17 beta (OE2) and 2-hydroxyoestradiol (2OH-OE2) to translocate pituitary oestrogen receptors to the nuclear compartment and to affect plasma concentrations of LH, FSH and prolactin was studied in ovariectomized ewes. Mean (+/- S.E.M.) nuclear oestrogen receptor levels (% of total pituitary oestrogen receptors) after intracarotid injections of 1.25 micrograms OE2, 400 micrograms 2OH-OE2 or vehicle were 8.7 +/- 2.3, 16.9 +/- 3.2 and 0.8 +/- 0.1% respectively. Whereas 1.25 or 12.5 micrograms OE2 significantly lowered plasma LH and FSH, 400 micrograms 2OH-OE2 did not affect plasma LH or FSH levels. Injection of 4000 micrograms 2OH-OE2 however, significantly affected pla..