Effects of endogenous opioids on the development of reproductive function in rats
Shishkina, I.V.; Babichev, V.N.; Pankov, I.A.
Biulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny 112(9): 232-234
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0365-9615 PMID: 1747464 Document Number: 370183
The influence of opioid peptide on the process of formation of reproductive function in rats was studied. Administration of beta-endorphin to neonatal female rats did not affect the concentrations of oestrogen and androgen receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary, whereas the content of testosterone receptors was significantly higher in both hypothalamus and pituitary. Chronic administration of beta-endorphin to both female and male rats does not affect the concentration of sex hormones. The results obtained indicate that chronic administration of beta-endorphin to neonatal female rats lead to formation of instable contacts in the mechanism of regulation of hypophysis gonadotropic function.