ADRENERGIC INPUTS TO THE AMYGDALA AND THE CONTROL OF GONADOTROPHIN RELEASE

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Abstract
Drugs able to mimic or to antagonize the action of catecholamines were implanted bilaterally into the basomedial region of the amygdala of adult castrated female rats. The animals were killed at different intervals after the implantation of the different drugs, and serum levels of LH [lutropin] and FSH [follitropin] were measured by radioimmunoassay. The intra-amygdalar implantation of the .alpha.-adrenergic bocker phenoxybenzamine induces a significant increase in the release both of LH and FSH. The implantation of the .beta.-adrenergic blocker propranolol brings causes a rise in LH only. The dopamine receptor blocker pimozide stimulates the release of LH and exerts a biphasic effect (stimulation followed by inhibition) of FSH secretion. The .alpha.-receptor stimulant clonidine and the dopaminergic drug 2-Br-.alpha.-ergocryptine were without significant effects. The adrenergic signals reaching the basomedial area of the amygdala (possibly from the brain stem) may be involved in the modulation of gonadotropin secretion.