Short loop feedback system for the control of follicle-stimulating hormone in the rabbit

Studies were designed to assess whether a short loop feedback control for FSH existed in the rabbit. Castrated adult female animals bearing chronically implanted Silastic catheters to permit frequent blood sampling were studied without anesthesia. Ovine FSH was administered as an iv bolus in doses ranging between 0.1-500 micrograms. Endogenous rabbit FSH was quantified using a RIA that did not cross-react with ovine FSH. Blood samples were obtained before and 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 min after the injection. Each animal was tested at two or more dose levels on different days. Ovine FSH produced suppression of rabbit FSH secretion within 5 min after injection. The minimum effective dose was 1 microgram; maximal suppression occurred with 50-100 micrograms ovine FSH. This short loop feedback control system was specific for FSH; ovine FSH, even at high doses, failed to suppress endogenous rabbit LH. This is the first direct demonstration of a negative short loop feedback control for FSH and the first entirely specific control for the FSH system to be described.