EFFECTS OF LOCALIZED INTRACEREBRAL IMPLANTATION OF OESTROGEN ON REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION IN THE FEMALE RABBIT

Abstract

ABSTRACT Implantation of minute amounts of oestradiol benzoate into posterior median eminence – basal tuberal region of the hypothalamus in 8 rabbit does was followed by failure of copulation-induced ovulation and eventually by ovarian atrophy. Similar implants into the adenohypophysis, mammillary body and other parts of the brain (21 does) did not produce these results. Oestrous behaviour during pseudopregnancy and after ovariectomy or gonadal atrophy was noted frequently in animals with implants in various parts of the brain. The data suggest that the posterior median eminencebasal tuberal area of the hypothalamus is a focus for the »negative feedback« action of oestrogen on pituitary gonadotrophin secretion in the female rabbit.