Modulation of the noradrenergic activity index by neural stimulus, and its participation in ovarian androstenedione release during the luteal phase.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the participation of catecholamines in the association between peripheral innervation and luteal steroidogenesis.


METHODS
Animal study.


METHODS
University animal laboratory.


METHODS
Six to eight virgin adult Holtzman-strain female rats in control and experimental groups on diestrus days 1 and 2.


METHODS
Removal of the coeliac ganglion-superior ovarian nerve-ovary system, with catecholaminergic agonist or antagonist added in the ganglion compartment (experimental group only). The control group received no treatment.


METHODS
Ovarian neurotransmitters and their catabolites measured by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography, and A(2) measured by radioimmunoassay.


RESULTS
On day 1, dopamine and catabolite increased whereas norepinephrine decreased, and the noradrenergic neuronal activity index was higher. On day 2, dopamine levels decreased, norepinephrine increased, and dopaminergic neuronal activity was higher. The release of A(2) was decreased by addition of norepinephrine to the ganglions on day 1, but was increased by the norepinephrine antagonist on day 2. Hence, norepinephrine increased A(2) release, and propranolol diminished it.


CONCLUSIONS
Ganglionic activity is modified by noradrenergic stimulus, leading to different ovarian A(2) release profiles. The peripheral nervous system is a modulator in these homeostatic mechanisms.
Graduate Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, and Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, San Luis, Argentina.
Daniela
D
Bronzi
Adriana Vega
AV
Orozco
Silvia Marcela
SM
Delgado
Marilina
M
Casais
Ana M
AM
Rastrilla
Zulema Y
ZY
Sosa
D018663:Adrenergic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000735:Androstenedione / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002447:Celiac Plexus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism*; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D018663:Adrenergic Agents; D000735:Androstenedione; D009638:Norepinephrine