EFFECTS OF PROGESTERONE ON THE PITUITARY-RESPONSIVENESS TO, AND PRIMING EFFECT OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE-RELEASING HORMONE IN FEMALE RATS EXPOSED TO CONSTANT LIGHT

Abstract

We have investigated the role of progesterone in the mating-induced release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and ovulation in female rats exposed to a 60-day period of constant light (LL). Plasma LH and progesterone concentrations were increased after mating; plasma estradiol concentrations, although not increased after mating, were increased compared with the concentrations in female rats on light-dark (LD) exposure during diestrus, proestrus evening and estrus. Progesterone induced ovulation in about half the number of female rats exposed to long-term LL, and in these animals, there was a significant increase in pituitary responsiveness to luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) 5 h after ..