Activation of the CNS noradrenergic system may inhibit as well as facilitate pituitary luteinizing hormone release.

Earlier work established that neural secretion of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) and the resultant release of pituitary gonadotropins could be facilitated by activating alpha-receptors of a central noradrenergic (NA) system. The present study emphasizes that central NA mechanisms may also inhibit LH release largely through activation of beta-adrenergic receptors.