Changes in pulsatile LH secretion after ovariectomy in Ile-de-France ewes in two seasons

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Abstract
Two experiments were conducted in Ile-de-France ewes to study changes in pulsatile LH [luteinizing hormone] secretion in ewes ovariectomized during anestrus or during the midluteal phase of the estrus cycle. In exp [experiment] 1, blood samples were taken every 20 min for 12 h the day before ovariectomy (day 0). After ovariectomy, samples were taken every 10 min for 6 h (10 ewes/group), on days 1, 3, 7 and 15. In exp 2 samples were taken every 10 min for 6 h (10 ewes/group) on days 7, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 after ovariectomy. Further samples were taken (5 ewes/group) at 9 and 12 mo. after ovariectomy. There were significant interactions between season and day of sampling for the interval between LH pulses in both experiments. LH pulse frequency increased within 1 day of ovariectomy and the increase was more rapid during the breeding season. There were clear seasonal differences in pulse frequency in exp 2. Compared with ewes ovariectomized in estrus, pulse frequency was significantly higher for ewes ovariectomized in the breeding season, from day 7 until day 120. Once pulse frequency had increased in ewes about the time of the normal breeding season, pulse frequency remained high and subsequent seasonal changes were greatly reduced. Pulse amplitude increased immediately after ovariectomy to reach a maximum on day 7, and there were no differences between season of ovariectomy in the initial changes in amplitude. In exp 2, changes in amplitude followed changes in pulse interval; there was a significant interaction between season and day of sampling. There were no significant effects of season on nadir LH concentrations which increased throughout the duration of the experiments. In ovariectomized ewes, LH pulse frequency observed on a given day depends on time after ovariectomy, season at the time of sampling and on previous exposure of ewes to stimulatory effects of season. The direct effects of season on LH pulse frequency and seasonal changes in sensitivity to steroid feedback may contribute to control of the breeding season and their relative contributions to the beginning and end of the breeding season may differ.

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