Progesterone is a potent hormone acting on the female reproductive tract and influencing a series of other functions. Recent studies revealed a correlation between progesterone and brain neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Our study evaluated the possible effect of norgestimate, a new progestin, on hypothalamic and pituitary beta-endorphin (B-EP) concentration in castrated female rats. Ovariectomy was performed under ethyl ether anesthesia. Treatment was started 3 weeks after surgery. Norgestimate, estradiol benzoate or norgestimate plus estradiol benzoate were administered. The two steroids were dissolved in sesame oil and injected (s.c.) every day for 2 weeks. Pituitary and hypothalamus B-EP concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Our studies showed that norgestimate increases the pituitary and hypothalamic B-EP concentration in female rats, reaching values higher than controls and estrogen-treated rats. Because B-EP has an important role in reproductive function, both modulating gonadotropin secretion and sexual behavior, the present results lead to the hypothesis that norgestimate affecting B-EP concentrations may influence central functions.

Genazzani, A.R., Petraglia, F., Cleva, M., Brilli, G., Mercuri, N., De Ramundo, B.M., et al. (1989). Norgestimate increases pituitary and hypothalamic concentrations of immunoreactive beta-endorphin. CONTRACEPTION, 40(5), 605-613 [10.1016/0010-7824(89)90132-7].

Norgestimate increases pituitary and hypothalamic concentrations of immunoreactive beta-endorphin

Petraglia, F.;
1989-01-01

Abstract

Progesterone is a potent hormone acting on the female reproductive tract and influencing a series of other functions. Recent studies revealed a correlation between progesterone and brain neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Our study evaluated the possible effect of norgestimate, a new progestin, on hypothalamic and pituitary beta-endorphin (B-EP) concentration in castrated female rats. Ovariectomy was performed under ethyl ether anesthesia. Treatment was started 3 weeks after surgery. Norgestimate, estradiol benzoate or norgestimate plus estradiol benzoate were administered. The two steroids were dissolved in sesame oil and injected (s.c.) every day for 2 weeks. Pituitary and hypothalamus B-EP concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Our studies showed that norgestimate increases the pituitary and hypothalamic B-EP concentration in female rats, reaching values higher than controls and estrogen-treated rats. Because B-EP has an important role in reproductive function, both modulating gonadotropin secretion and sexual behavior, the present results lead to the hypothesis that norgestimate affecting B-EP concentrations may influence central functions.
1989
Genazzani, A.R., Petraglia, F., Cleva, M., Brilli, G., Mercuri, N., De Ramundo, B.M., et al. (1989). Norgestimate increases pituitary and hypothalamic concentrations of immunoreactive beta-endorphin. CONTRACEPTION, 40(5), 605-613 [10.1016/0010-7824(89)90132-7].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11365/36673
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