Reaction of neurons of arcuate region of hypothalamus to microiontophoretic application of serotonin at different stages of the estrous cycle in rats.

Sensitivity to serotonin was investigated in single neurons of the arcuate region of the hypothalamus as the center of tonic regulation of gonadotropic function in conditions of its microiontophoretic application in different stages of the estrous cycle in rats. It was shown that at the diestrus-II stage of the estrous cycle, especially during morning hours, cells predominate among neurons of the arcuate region with activated reaction to serotonin. During proestrus increased representation of cells with inhibited reaction is noted among spontaneously functioning neurons, which is especially pronounced during evening hours of this stage of the cycle. Serotonin induced reduction in the level of luteinizing hormone in blood and this effect was usually combined with an activating effect of indolamine on functioning of neurons. The combination of a delayed effect of the neurotransmitter on spontaneous activity of neurons of the arcuate nucleus with a reduced level of luteinizing hormone in blood was noted in the overwhelming majority of cases only at the proestrus stage.