Effect of 20α-Hydroxyy-4-Pregnen-3-One on Luteinizing Hormone Secretion in The Female Rabbit

Experiments were performed in the rabbit to determine whether 20α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20-OHP) can maintain luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion after injections of LH-releasing hormone (LH-RH). Female rabbits were castrated at least 2 weeks prior to investigation. on the day before LH-RH injection they were cannulated and a dose of oestradiol benzoate (OeB), 100 μg/kg, given intramuscularly. LH-RH, 500 ng/kg, was injected as a bolus via the cannula and 20-OHP, 100 μg/kg and 2.5 mg/kg, injected intramuscularly immediately after. Blood was withdrawn at intervals for up to 5½ h after LH-RH injection. LH secretion dropped to pre-stimulation levels within 3 h after LH-RH alone or in combination with 20-OHP. Administration of LH-RH to oestrogen primed intact females also gave a peak of LH which returned to pre-stimulation levels within 3 h. However, mating seemed to maintain LH levels for a greater period of time.