CHRONIC MEDIAN EMINENCE LESIONS AND OVARIECTOMY: EFFECTS ON FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE SECRETION IN THE RAT

The effect of chronic lesions to the median eminence on the secretion of FSH in the rat was studied using the Steelman-Pohley ovarian augmentation bioassay method. Increases in the intrapituitary stores of FSH were found by 10 days after lesioning. 30 and 90 days postoperatively serum levels of FSH were within the normal range although the assay method used may not have been sensitive enough to detect small fluctuations. After ovariectomy pituitary FSH levels rose sharply. Serum FSH rose more slowly. Complete destruction of the median eminence of ovariectomized animals increased the pituitary FSH levels but decreased serum FSH by 50% .