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Role of LH in the progesterone increase during the bromocriptine-induced prolactin decrease in heifers.

O J Ginther1, V G Santos, R A Mir

  • 1Eutheria Foundation, Cross Plains, Wisconsin, USA. ginther@vetmed.wisc.edu

Theriogenology
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Bromocriptine treatment in heifers increased progesterone (P4) by stimulating luteinizing hormone (LH), not by reducing prolactin (PRL). This confirms LH

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Animal Physiology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Prolactin (PRL) is suspected to have luteolytic effects.
  • Bromocriptine, a PRL inhibitor, has been observed to increase progesterone (P4) post-treatment.
  • The mechanism behind this P4 increase, whether via reduced PRL or stimulated LH, requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the luteotrophic effect of bromocriptine in heifers.
  • To determine if bromocriptine-induced P4 increase is due to reduced prolactin (PRL) or stimulated luteinizing hormone (LH).
  • To elucidate the role of LH and PRL in progesterone regulation during the luteal phase.

Main Methods:

  • Four groups of heifers (n=7) were used: control, bromocriptine (Bc), acyline (Ac; GnRH antagonist), and combined BcAc.
  • Treatments were administered on Day 16 postovulation.
  • Blood samples were collected hourly for 8 hours to measure P4, LH, and PRL concentrations.

Main Results:

  • Bromocriptine treatment significantly increased P4 concentrations compared to controls.
  • LH concentrations increased in the bromocriptine group, with an earlier LH pulse peak.
  • Prolactin (PRL) levels were significantly lower in bromocriptine-treated heifers.
  • Acyline effectively blocked LH, and this blockade prevented the P4 increase in the combined BcAc group.

Conclusions:

  • The observed increase in P4 associated with bromocriptine treatment is primarily mediated by an increase in LH.
  • Bromocriptine's luteotrophic effect in heifers is attributable to LH stimulation, not solely to prolactin suppression.
  • LH plays a crucial luteotrophic role, and its stimulation by bromocriptine is key to maintaining progesterone levels.