γ-Aminobutyric AcidAReceptors Mediate 3α-Hydroxy-5a-Pregnan-20-one-Induced Gonadotropin Secretion*

作者：Darrell W. Brann, Carla D. Putnam, Virendra B. Mahesh · 发表于：Endocrinology · 年份：1990 · DOI：10.1210/endo-126-4-1854 · 被引用次数：60 · 研究领域：Hypothalamic control of reproductive hormones、Estrogen and related hormone effects、Reproductive System and Pregnancy

3 alpha-Hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one (3 alpha, 5 alpha-THP), can selectively release LH in estrogen-primed ovariectomized rats. This progesterone metabolite does not bind to the progesterone receptor. Recently, 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP has been reported to be a potent modulator of the gamma-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptor in the brain. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP's effect on gonadotropin secretion is GABAA receptor mediated. Ovariectomized immature rats were primed for 2 days with estradiol (2 micrograms/rat.day). On the morning of the third day, 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP was administered either with or without prior treatment with progesterone receptor antagonist (RU486) or the GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin. When 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP was administered alone, a dose-related effect on LH and FSH release was observed. The 0.8 mg/kg BW dose of 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP stimulated both LH and FSH release, whereas the 1.6 mg/kg BW dose released only LH. The GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin had no significant effect on LH or FSH secretion. However, administration of picrotoxin 30 min before 0.8 mg/kg BW 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP resulted in antagonism of 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP's ability to release LH and FSH. The effects of 1.6 mg/kg BW 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP on serum LH were also blocked by picrotoxin. Picrotoxin was ineffective in altering the gonadotropin-stimulating response of progesterone and deoxycorticosterone. These steroids do not b...