Effects of an epinephrine synthesis inhibitor, SKF64139, on the secretion of luteinizing hormone in ovariectomized female rats.

In order to test the involvement of central epinephrine systems in luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, the epinephrine synthesis inhibitor. SKF64139, was administered to ovariectomized rats treated with ovarian hormones. This agent significantly decreased resting LH concentrations in ovariectomized, hormonally untreated rats and completely suppressed the stimulatory feedback effects of estrogen plus progesterone. In these animals, hypothalamic concentrations of epinephrine, but not norepinephrine or dopamine, were significantly decreased. It is suggested that brain epinephrine may participate in the neural control of LH secretion in rats.