FLUCTUATIONS IN MONOAMINE OXIDASE ACTIVITY IN THE HYPOTHALAMUS OF RAT DURING THE ESTROUS CYCLE AND AFTER CASTRATION

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Abstract
Coincidentally with the estrous cycle, monoamine oxidase activity in the hypothalamus, particularly in its posterior part, showed cyclic fluctuation. This cyclic change was characterized by the proestrous elevation in monoamine oxidase activity and the proestrous and estrous depression in choline acetylase activity. Following castration, the monoamine oxidase activity in the hypothalami of female rats showed a temporary decrease in the anterior part at the earlier stages after castration and thereafter, a marked increase in both the anterior and posterior parts. The reciprocal relationship of the enzyme activities between monoamine oxidase and choline acetylase was also observed in the hypothalamus after castration. These data support the concept that acetylcholine and catecholamine or serotonin metabolism in the hypothalamus play an important role in the neural control of ovulation.

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