Effect of oestradiol replacement in ovariectomized chickens on pituitary LH concentrations and concentrations of mRNAs encoding LH β and α subunits

Plasma concentrations of oestradiol and LH and steady-state pituitary concentrations of the mRNAs encoding the LH β and α subunits in the gland were measured at intervals of 1 month for 5 months in female chickens. In addition, feedback regulation by oestradiol of concentrations of mRNAs encoding these LH subunits was studied in ovariectomized young (3-week-old) and adult hens. Concentrations of the mRNAs encoding the LH β and α subunits increased significantly before sexual maturity and the changes were highly correlated with increases in plasma and pituitary concentrations of LH. Ovariectomy significantly reduced circulating plasma concentrations of oestradiol but increased pituitary concentrations of mRNAs encoding LH β and α subunits and pituitary and plasma concentrations of LH in adult laying hens. In addition, in 3-week-old chickens, ovariectomy induced an increase in plasma and pituitary gland concentrations of LH. This ovariectomy-induced mRNA expression and tissue and plasma increases of LH were prevented by oestradiol replacement. These data suggest that a negative feedback mechanism by ovarian oestradiol inhibits LH release from the pituitary and pituitary LH biosynthesis in chickens.