Hypophysiotropic signal frequency and the functioning of the pituitary-ovarian system in the rhesus monkey

In adult rhesus monkeys bearing hypothalamic lesions that abolished secretions of LH and FSH, normal circulating levels of these hormones and consequent follicular development culminating in ovulation were reestablished by the administration of a GnRH pulse once every hour (control frequency). We examined the effects of slowing the frequency of these pulses on ovarian follicular development, as assessed by circulating concentrations of estradiol. A reduction in frequency to one pulse every 90 min supported follicular development in most instances, albeit with a diminished incidence of ovulation. One pulse of GnRH every 2 h resulted in anovulatory follicular cycles with lower peak concentrations of estradiol than those achieved on the control frequency. Follicular development was absent when GnRH pulses were delivered once every 3 h. When mean concentrations of gonadotropins were determined during periods of low circulating estradiol levels, plasma FSH concentrations in monkeys receiving GnRH pulses at the slow rates did not differ from control, whereas LH concentrations were significantly reduced. It can be concluded that small reductions in the frequency of GnRH stimulation have profound effects on the quality of follicular development, even when FSH concentrations are maintained at normal levels.