Regression of corpora lutea in the rabbit after injection of a gonadotropin-releasing peptide.
We have shown that a potent agonist of the luteinizing hormone injected on either Day 11 of pseudopregnancy of Day 15 of pregnancy causes luteinization of ovarian follicles and a rapid regression of functional corpora lutea. Serum levels of progesterone declined markedly within 3 days of peptide injection in pregnant animals. In the presence of regressing corpora lutea, fetal resorption occurs which can be prevented by estradiol (500 ng, twice a day) or progesterone. Daily levels of estradiol below 4 mug did not maintain either corpora lutea weight or fetal survival, whereas 4 mug of the steroid maintained corpora lutea weight, but not pregnancy.
D000818:Animals; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005327:Fetal Resorption / Q000139:chemically induced; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D003341:Luteolysis / Q000187:drug effects*; D010455:Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology; D011555:Pseudopregnancy / Q000187:drug effects; D011817:Rabbits
D010455:Peptides; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol