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Aging and acute stress decrease corticotropin releasing hormone in the ovary of the Fischer 344/N rat
G Mastorakos1, G Cizza, R Kvetnansky
1Developmental Endocrinology Branch, NICHD, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Life Sciences
|February 17, 1995
Summary
Aging and stress significantly alter ovarian corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) levels in rats. Older rats exhibit lower baseline ovarian CRH and a reduced stress response compared to younger rats.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is found in the hypothalamus, CNS, and periphery, including ovarian cells.
- Previous studies identified immunoreactive CRH (ir-CRH) in rat ovarian thecal and stromal cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between aging, stress, and ovarian ir-CRH levels in female rats.
- To quantify changes in ovarian ir-CRH distribution and intensity in young versus old rats under baseline and stressed conditions.
Main Methods:
- Healthy young (3-4 mo) and old (24 mo) Fischer 344/N female rats were subjected to 120 min of immobilization stress.
- Ovarian ir-CRH levels were measured and quantified in the theca, granulosa, stroma, and corpus luteum.
- Corticosterone (CORT) levels were measured before and after stress.
Main Results:
- Baseline ovarian ir-CRH was 50% lower in old rats compared to young rats in the theca and stroma.
- Stress reduced theca ir-CRH levels by 70% in young rats and 35% in old rats.
- Immobilization stress increased CORT levels in both groups, with a smaller, non-significant increase in old rats.
Conclusions:
- Ovarian CRH levels decrease with age and are modulated by stress.
- These findings suggest a functional role for ovarian CRH in aging and stress responses.