Effect of unilateral vagotomy on serum gonadotropin concentration in rats with two testes and in hemicastrates.

The effect of right- or left-sided vagotomy on serum gonadotropin secretion was studied in rats with two testes and in hemicastrates. Right-sided vagotomy in animals with two testes in situ induced a very marked rise in serum LH levels. Left-sided vagotomy was also accompanied with a slight increase in LH secretion. The difference in serum LH levels between right-and left-sided vagotomized animals was significant. FSH levels were unaffected by either right- or left-sided vagotomy. Removal of the right or of the left testis resulted in a significant increase in serum gonadotropin levels. Unilateral vagotomy in hemicastrates did not alter the hemicastration-induced changes in serum gonadotropin hormone levels. These data indicate that the vagus nerve might have a modulatory role in the control of LH secretion in rats with two testes but not in hemicastrates. The different response in LH levels after right-sided and left-sided vagotomy suggests a functional asymmetry of the vagus nerve in the regulation of LH secretion.