Effect of LH-RH, gonadotrophins or sex hormone treatment on RNA and DNA concentration in hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary and uterus in the immature female rat.

RNA and DNA concentration was measured in hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary and uterus of immature female rats after treatment with 5 doses of LH-RH, PMSG, HCG, FSH + LH, estradiol benzoate or progesterone. All assayed hormones decreased DNA concentration and increased the [RNA]/[DNA] ratio in their target organs. These findings were interpreted as increases in cell volume and RNA synthesis in target organs after treatment. Gonadotrophins and sex hormones decreased DNA concentration and increased RNA synthesis in hypothalamus and pituitary, which revealed the stimulatory effect of both hormonal groups on the above mentioned organs.