CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID AND BLOOD-CONCENTRATIONS OF LUTEINIZING-HORMONE, FOLLICLE-STIMULATING-HORMONE AND PROLACTIN FOLLOWING CASTRATION OF ADULT MALE-RATS

Comparative levels of LH, FSH and PRL in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of adult male rats were studied at different periods following castration. Intact and sham-operated animals served as controls. Blood and CSF were collected at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 46 days following castration. The CSF was collected via cisterna-magna puncture, while the blood was collected from abdominal aorta. Serum gonadotropins increased progressively beginning day 1 post-castration to reach maximum by day 35 or 46 post-castration. Sham operation and castration did not affect mean CSF, LH and FSH levels compared to intact controls. Analysis of the temporal pattern of serum and CSF gonadotropin levels following castration revealed significant positive correlation between CSF and serum LH (r = 0.58) and FSH (r = 0.64) levels respectively. The data suggest that CSF gonadotropins may be derived from systemic circulation. Serum PRL levels were not affected by castration, but CSF PRL levels were significantly reduced at days 28, 35 and 46 post-castration compared to intact controls. CSF PRL levels showed negative correlation with serum LH and FSH levels but failed to show a correlation with serum PRL levels. Hypothalamic norepinephrine turnover rate increased at days 28, 35 and 46 post-castration. Hypothalamic dopamine contents and turnover rates were reduced at days 21 and 28 post-castration. It is suggested that CSF PRL may have a role in the regulation of serum gonadotropins.