Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a major neural signal for hypothalamic control of gonadotropin secretion which in turn influences gonadal steroid synthesis. Progesterone (P) is known to affect release and content of GnRH. The action mechanism of P on GnRH mRNA level remains, however, to be resolved. Here we report that P augments GnRH mRNA level in hypothalamic tissues derived from ovariectomized, estradiol-treated adult rats. The stimulatory action of P was time-dependent and lasted at least for 9 h. When RU486, a P receptor antagonist, was administered 1 hr before P treatment, it clearly blocked the stimulatory action of P on GnRH mRNA level. These results strongly suggest that P regulates GnRH gene expression in the rat hypothalamus, presumably through the P receptor-mediated mechanism.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 177-180 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Brain Research |
Volume | 652 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1994 Jul 25 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone mRNA
- Hypothalamus
- Progesterone
- RU486
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuroscience(all)
- Molecular Biology
- Clinical Neurology
- Developmental Biology