Suppression of the Cyclic Surge of Luteinizing Hormone Secretion and of Ovulation in the Rat by Δ1-Tetrahydrocannabinol
Abstract
IN the rat, a surge of gonadotrophin secretion occurs during the afternoon of the day of pro-oestrus1,2. This induces the resumption of the first maturation division of the oocyte and changes in the follicular wall that culminate in ovulation—the release of the mature secondary oocyte. The cyclic discharge of ovulating hormone, principally pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH), depends on the secretion of LH-releasing hormone (LRH) by the hypothalamus3. LRH secretion, and consequently LH surge and ovulation, can be blocked by several neuro-depressive drugs4.
- Publication:
-
Nature
- Pub Date:
- June 1973
- DOI:
- 10.1038/243470a0
- Bibcode:
- 1973Natur.243..470N