Abstract
Abstract
The cholinergic agonist, pilocarpine, significantly reduced serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) in gonadectomized male and female rats 15, 30, and 60 min after drug administration. Similar effects on serum LH were observed after administration of another cholinergic agonist, physostigmine. The inhibitory effects of the two cholinergic agonists on serum levels of LH and PRL were counteracted by administering the cholinergic blocker, atropine. No effects on serum hormone levels of LH or PRL were observed 15, 30, and 60 min after administration of atropine alone. Administration of atropine or scopolamine (another anticholinergic drug) every 6 hr significantly elevated serum levels of LH in castrated male rats. These results indicate that the cholinergic system exerts an inhibitory influence on LH and PRL secretion after castration.
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