Effect of pentobarbital on serum levels of LH, FSH and prolactin in long-term ovariectomized rats.

The intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of sodium pentobarbital (30 mg/kg) to long-term ovariectomized adult rats results in a prolonged depression of serum LH levels and in a biphasic decrease of serum prolactin (Prl) titers, but does not modify serum levels of FSH. Consequently, caution should be used when interpretating neuroendocrine results obtained in animals submitted to pentobarbital anesthesia.