Effect of abdominal vagotomy of the pregnant rat on LH and progesterone concentrations and fetal resorption

Abstract
Abdominal vagotomy on day 8 of pregnancy in rats decreased the number of live fetuses at day 16 and increased the number of resorbing fetuses. The activity of .DELTA.5-3.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3.beta.-HSD) in the corpus luteum and interstitial gland, LH [luteinizing hormone] and progesterone values in plasma and progesterone values in ovarian tissue were all lower in vagotomized rats than in sham-operated controls. Ovarian PG[prostaglandin]F levels were not affected. These effects were probably caused by a direct effect of vagotomy on LH secretion which in turn lowers 3.beta.-HSD activity and progesterone levels in ovarian tissue and plasma, leading to fetal resorption.

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