Abstract
Summary
Electrical stimulation of the amygdala in acute experiments under ether on the afternoon of proestrus in cycling rats blocked ovulation whereas similar stimulation on the morning of proestrous did not alter the afternoon surges of the gonadotropic hormones. “Acute” stimulation on the afternoon of proestrous also failed to overcome the ovulatory blockade exerted by pentobarbital or reserpine. Furthermore, serum LH levels were temporarily reduced by stimulation of chronic electrodes in the amygdala of ovariectomized rats, but such “chronic” stimulation did not inhibit the proestrous rat from releasing an ovulatory surge of LH. The results indicate that the amygdala can exert an inhibitory influence on LH release in acute experiments in cycling rats and under chronic conditions in ovariectomized rats.
Our appreciation is extended to Mrs. Virginia Hoover for expert technical assistance and Mrs. Franoes Smith for secretarial assistance.
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