In vitro effect of ethanol on LH and FSH secretion by pituitary glands of female rats.

The effect of ethanol (EtOH) on LH and FSH release in vitro has been studied in order to determine whether the effect of alcohol observed in vivo could be mediated by a direct action at the level of the anterior pituitary. Pituitary glands were incubated for 4 hours in TC-199 medium with or with 100 mM ethanol. Basal gonadotrophin release was examined as well as secretion stimulated by luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) in the presence or absence of cycloheximide. The total amount of LH and FSH released during the incubation period was calculated. Ethanol did not significantly alter basal gonadotrophin release or LHRH-stimulated FSH release. However, LH secretion induced by LHRH was decreased by EtOH when compared to the LHRH-stimulated group. Cycloheximide decreased the LHRH-stimulated release of LH and FSH but this effect was not altered by EtOH. The results show that EtOH alters the release but not the synthesis of gonadotrophins by a direct effect on the anterior pituitary gland.