Effects of arginine vasotocin on levels of plasma gonadotropins and prolactin in ovariectomized conscious rats.

Arginine vasotocin was injected into the third ventricle or intravenously in conscious, ovariectomized rats and its effect on gonadotropin and prolactin release evaluated. The peptide lowered plasma levels of both LH and prolactin in doses of 40 or 100 ng given intraventricularly. The higher dose was slightly more effective than the lower dose. Intravenous injection of a 1-microgram dose of vasotocin failed to alter plasma LH in the ovariectomized animals; however, a 5-micrograms dose induced a slight depression apparent at only 60 min following injection. Intravenous injection of 1 microgram produced a significant lowering of plasma prolactin, whereas a dramatic lowering followed the injection of the higher dose. Plasma FSH was unaffected in these experiments. Incubation of dispersed anterior pituitary cells from ovariectomized rats with various doses of vasotocin revealed no effect of the peptide on the release of FSH, LH, or prolactin. It also did not alter the response to LHRH, but it partially blocked the action of dopamine to inhibit prolactin release. The data indicate that quite low doses of arginine vasotocin act within the brain to inhibit LH and prolactin secretion in ovariectomized, conscious animals.