Sex-dependent endorphinergic and adrenergic control mechanisms of luteinizing hormone secretion in immature rats.

Previous studies in male and female immature rats have revealed striking sex differences as concerns endorphinergic and adrenergic control of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. The present study examines in 10 days old male and females rats whether these differences result from sexual differentiation of the brain, or acute effects of male and female gonadal hormones. The techniques employed to manipulate these mechanisms were gonadectomy immediately post-partum and androgenization. Androgenization on the 1st and 2nd day of life reduces the ability of naloxone to elevate serum LH levels in females, but failed to modify the LH-elevating effect of clonidine in males. Experiments with castrates showed that testosterone is critical for these sex-related differences. Treatment with testosterone on the 9th day of life of intact or gonadectomized rats revealed the ability of this hormone to modify LH-release acutely. We conclude that sexual differentiation of the brain may be of minor significance for the sex-related LH-control mechanisms in prepubertal rats. Of importance is the acute presence of testosterone, since in its absence male characteristics disappear.