Role of Adrenal in Control of Gonadotropin Secretion in the Immature Male Rat

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Abstract
A study was made of adrenal control of gonadotropin secretion during the prepubertal period. Male rats were adrenalectomized (ADX) or sham operated on day 26. The sensitivity of the hypothalamus/pituitary to the negative feedback effects of testosterone (T) was examined by simultaneously castrating the animals and implanting various size Silastic capsules filled with crystalline T. These animals were decapitated on day 30. Another group of immature rats was examined to determine pituitary sensitivity to luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH). These rats were ADX on day 26 and injected intravenously with various doses of LHRH on day 30. ADX did not alter the negative feedback of T on luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion or the ability of the pituitary to release LH in response to LHRH. ADX appeared to lower the set point for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion but not the ability of T to reduce FSH. Pituitaries of ADX rats released less FSH in response to LHRH than did controls. These results show the role of the adrenal in the control of FSH secretion in the prepubertal male rat.