CYCLOSPORINE MODIFIES THE PULSATILE SECRETORY PATTERNS OF PROLACTIN AND LUTEINIZING-HORMONE IN NORMAL AND PITUITARY-GRAFTED FEMALE RATS

This study was designed to examine whether cyclosporine (CyA) acts on the endocrine system by modifying the pulsatile secretion pattern of prolactin and LH. Both pituitary-grafted and sham-operated rats were submitted to a subcutaneous vehicle or CyA (5 mg/kg) treatment daily for 10 days beginning on the day of surgery. Pituitary grafting and/or CyA administration changed the pulsatile pattern of prolactin observed in sham-operated animals. The mean values of serum prolactin were significantly increased by pituitary grafting and the treatment with CyA further increased them. The mean half-life of prolactin was significantly increased in pituitary-grafted rats and was not changed by CyA administration, although it was decreased in sham-operated rats. The frequency of prolactin pulses was significantly decreased in pituitary-grafted as compared to sham-operated controls and was not further modified by CyA administration. However, in sham-operated rats a significant decrease of this parameter was observed. Duration of the prolactin peaks was significantly increased by pituitary grafting, and was not modified by CyA administration in any of the groups studied. The absolute amplitude of the prolactin peaks was significantly increased in pituitary-grafted as compared to sham-operated animals, and the treatment with CyA further increased this parameter in both groups. Mean values of LH were significantly increased in pituitary-grafted as compared to control rats. CyA administration significantly increased LH levels in sham-operated rats and decreased them in pituitary-grafted animals. The mean half-life, the pulse frequency and the duration of LH peaks were not modified by either pituitary grafting or CyA administration. The absolute amplitude of LH peaks was significantly increased in pituitary-grafted animals as compared to the sham-operated group. Cy administration increased the absolute amplitude of LH peaks in sham-operated and reduced it in pituitary-grafted animals. The data suggest that CyA might act by modifying the pulsatile secretory patterns of prolactin and LH.