[Effects of ferulic acid on FSH, LH and prolactin levels in serum and pituitary tissue of male rats (author's transl)].

The existence of substances in corn germ, which induce a positive response in pigeon crop test, has been previously reported by Okamoto and Takahashi in 1974. Following this first experiment, one of these substances was identified as ferulic acid by purification. In the present experiment FSH, LH and prolactin levels in the serum and the pituitary tissue of castrated male rats and EP (estradiol benzoate and progesterone) treated male rats were determined by radioimmunoassay at 5 to 180 min. after intravenous injection with 1 mg of ferulic acid. It was noted that FSH release only was promoted significantly at 5 min. after the injection, whereas LH and prolactin releases were inhibited at 5 to 10 min. after the injection. A rebound effect was noted in LH and prolactin releases after the injection.