The antireproductive role of corticotropin releasing hormone and interleukin-1 in the female rhesus monkey.
Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) exerts numerous neuroendocrinological and immunological actions. In the ovariectomized (OVX) monkey, intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of IL-1 alpha stimulates the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and inhibits pulsatile LH and FSH secretion. This inhibitory effect of IL-1 alpha on the gonadotropins is prevented by coadministration of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and vasopressin (AVP) antagonists, suggesting a role of these two HPA neuropeptides. In order to understand the central mechanisms by which "stress" interrupts the menstrual cycle, we have also investigated the modulatory role of estradiol. When early follicular phase estradiol concentrations are reproduced, there was a complete prevention of HPA activation and of the consequent inhibition of gonadotropin by IL-1 alpha. The mechanisms regulating this unexpected action remain to be elucidated. In contrast, in the presence of late follicular phase estradiol concentrations, the HPA response to IL-1 alpha is restored, but there is a stimulation of LH release. These data demonstrate interactions between the adrenal and gonadal endocrine axes, and highlight the role of estradiol in modulating these effects.
Ferin
M
M
Center for Reproductive Sciences, Columbia University, New York 10032, USA.
D000818:Animals; D001127:Arginine Vasopressin / Q000494:pharmacology; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000378:metabolism; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000378:metabolism; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*
D004967:Estrogens; D007375:Interleukin-1; D001127:Arginine Vasopressin; D004958:Estradiol; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone