Neuroendocrine mechanisms of development of experimental hyperandrogen-induced anovulation

Neurosci Behav Physiol. 2003 Oct;33(8):773-6. doi: 10.1023/a:1025141130241.

Abstract

An experimental model of hyperandrogen-induced anovulatory infertility (s.c. implantation of Silastic capsules containing testosterone into adult female rats) was used to study morphological, hormonal, and biochemical measures characterizing the state of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-ovarian system. Impairments in functional androgen metabolism in the hypothalamus were seen, with decreases in the Luliberin sensitivity of the hypophysis, changes in the structure of estral cycles, and morphological changes in the ovaries; these findings are evidence for neuroendocrine disturbances in the control of ovulation. Flutamide, an experimental antiandrogen, led to partial normalization of the hormonal, biochemical, and morphological characteristics, as well as to recovery of fertility in females with anovulatory infertility.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Androgen Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Androgens / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Anovulation / chemically induced
  • Anovulation / drug therapy
  • Anovulation / physiopathology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Estradiol / metabolism
  • Estrous Cycle / metabolism
  • Female
  • Flutamide / therapeutic use
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / drug effects
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / metabolism*
  • Neurosecretory Systems / drug effects
  • Neurosecretory Systems / metabolism*
  • Ovary / drug effects
  • Ovary / metabolism*
  • Ovary / pathology
  • Oxidoreductases / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Testosterone

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists
  • Androgens
  • Testosterone
  • Estradiol
  • Flutamide
  • Oxidoreductases