ISSN:
1365-2826
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Pituitary binding sites for gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) were examined in Booroola ewes on Days 4 and 12 of the oestrous cycle and more than 12 months after ovariectomy. No significant differences were observed in the affinity of the binding sites for [125 I]D Ala6, des Gly10 GnRH ethylamide, in non-carriers (++) or homozygotes of the fecundity gene (FF), in intact or ovariectomized animals (overall Ka= (1.8 ± 0.1) × 109 M−1; mean ± SEM, n = 67). In ++ ewes, the number of GnRH binding sites on Day 4 of the oestrous cycle (0.199 ± 0.025 fmol/mg pituitary, n = 8) was significantly greater (P〈0.05) than on Day 12 (0.107 ± 0.012 fmol/mg pituitary, n = 12). In contrast in FF ewes the number of binding sites on Days 4 and 12 were similar (Day 4: 0.119 ± 0.030, n = 8; Day 12: 0.092 ± 0.014, n = 10). On Day 4, but not Day 12, the binding site numbers were significantly higher in ++ compared with FF pituitaries (P〈0.05). Likewise on Day 4, but not Day 12, the plasma concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone were significantly higher (P〈0.005) in FF (1.60 ± 0.15 ng/ml) than ++ ewes (0.96 ± 0.10 ng/ml). After ovariectomy, no gene-specific differences in binding site numbers were noted despite significantly higher plasma follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations in FF animals. No gene-specific differences in plasma luteinizing hormone concentrations were observed in these animals on Days 4 or 12, or after ovariectomy. Moreover, luteal phase plasma progesterone concentrations were also similar between ++ and FF ewes. We conclude that the gene-specific differences in pituitary responsiveness to GnRH and in pituitary gonadotrophin output are unlikely to be due to differences in GnRH receptor binding affinities.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2826.1990.tb00453.x
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