INDIRECT EVIDENCES OF PROLACTIN INVOLVEMENT IN PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY INDUCED BY HYPOTHALAMIC LESIONS IN FEMALE RATS

Abstract

ABSTRACT The effects of 2-bromo-α-ergocryptine (CB-154) administration in maturing female rats with precocious puberty induced by hypothalamic lesions, as well as the milk secretion rate in these animals after their first parturition were studied. Treatment with CB-154 inhibited precocious vaginal opening induced by hypothalamic lesions. After the treatment with the derivative was terminated, the ovulatory response was not different from that of intact control rats. After their first parturition lesioned rats accumulate milk at a faster rate, following an initial depletion period, than their non-operated controls. These results suggest than an alteration in prolactin release may be involved in determining the precocious puberty induced by lesions of the anterior hypothalamic area.