In vivo release rates of substance P in the preoptic/anterior hypothalamic area of ovariectomized and ovariectomized estrogen-primed rats: correlation with luteinizing hormone and prolactin levels

Push-pull cannulae were implanted into the preoptic/anterior hypothalamic area (POA) of ovariectomized (OVX) rats. After recovery animals were treated with estradiol (E2) or corn oil and they were perfused 3 days later. Substance P (SP) concentrations were measured in 15 min perfusate fractions, blood samples were taken at similar intervals. SP concentration in POA perfusates were readily measurable. Following estrogen priming SP release increased significantly each afternoon prior to the estrogen induced prolactin and luteinizing hormone (LH) surges. No such increase of SP release was observed in OVX rats with constant LH and prolactin levels throughout the day. Mean SP rates in OVX rats were significantly higher in comparison to OVX estrogen-primed rats. These results indicate that SP may be involved in the feedback mechanisms of estrogen on prolactin and LH release. Authenticity of SP in POA perfusates was made probable by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) where synthetic SP eluted at the same retention time as the signal measured in push-pull perfusates.     

Sexual dimorphism in the GABAergic control of gonadotropin release in intact rats

GABA is a potent regulator of gonadotropin release both in male and female rats. We reported 24 h profiles of GABA release in the medial preoptic area (MPO) where gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) surge generator resides in female rats. In this article, we review the sex difference in 24 h profiles of GABA release. GABA release is high and episodic in male rats without any time dependency, but female rats showed a surge-like secretion of GABA in the early morning of the proestrous day. GABA release rapidly decreased until the afternoon of the day of proestrus followed by the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. The peak time of GABA episodes changes with estrous cycle in female rats. Fitting with the double cosinor method demonstrated that the acrophase of the GABA release in proestrous female rats occurs in the early morning, whereas the acrophases in diestrous females, estrous females and males occur at various time of day. Proestrous female rats showed significant difference in the peak time and acrophase of the GABA release compared with other estrous stages of female and male rats. These results demonstrated further sexual dimorphism of GABA release in the MPO, suggesting that coupling between the GABA release and the circadian clock may be a determining factor in the sex difference of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in rats.     

Sex hormones differentially influence voluntary running activity, food intake and body weight in aging female and male rats

The aim of this study was to examine the longer-term effects of reduced gonadal hormones on food intake, food efficiency, voluntary running activity and body weight in mature male and female rats, compared to age-matched controls. We hypothesized that hormonal effects would differ for rats that were not rapidly growing and our results are consistent with this hypothesis. 6-8?month male and female rats were divided into four groups: Female and male control groups and a female and male experimental group. Control groups were intact for 46?weeks. Experimental groups were intact during Phase I (16?weeks), ovariectomized or orchidectomized during Phase II (20?weeks), and received estrogen or testosterone hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during the final Phase III (10?weeks). Food intake and running distance were monitored daily and body weight was recorded weekly for 46?weeks. Contrary to findings for young and growing animals, we did not observe a (1) stabilization of food intake in female rats following OVX, (2) loss of body weight with ORX in males, or (3) complete restoration of running activity in ORX males given testosterone, compared to females given estrogen. Feeding efficiency was not affected by aging in females or males. Loss of estrogen increased energy intake whereas reduced testosterone in males resulted in a negative energy balance. Findings suggest variable hormonal effects for aging male/female rats.     

GABA release in the medial preoptic area of cyclic female rats

GABA is a potent regulator of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the hypothalamus. To determine the profile of GABA release in the medial preoptic area where the gonadotropin surge generator resides, an in vivo microdialysis study was performed in cyclic female rats. The microdialysis samples were collected and sequential blood samples (150 microl each) were also obtained, at 1-h intervals. During estrus and diestrus 1, GABA release in the medial preoptic area was relatively low. A small increase in the GABA release began in the afternoon of diestrus 1 and attained its peak in the morning of diestrus 2, but declined in the afternoon of that day. The GABA release markedly increased from late in the night of diestrus 2 through the morning of proestrus, when it attained its peak, and thereafter it declined sharply until the critical period of proestrus. A distinct preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge was observed in the afternoon of proestrus in all proestrous rats. From these results we suggest that the preovulatory elevation of the GABA release from the night through to the morning of proestrus, followed by a sharp decline, is closely associated with the onset of the preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge in cyclic female rats. The present study is the first to report the 4-day profile of GABA release in the medial preoptic area during the estrous cycle.     

去卵巢和雌激素替代治疗对心肌细胞基因表达谱的影响

目的：本实验通过高通量的cDNA微阵列技术，研究去卵巢和雌激素替代治疗对心肌细胞基因表达谱的影响，寻找雌激素的靶基因。方法:用 1 400 个基因构建的cDNA微阵列检测假手术组（Ⅰ）、去卵巢组（Ⅱ，去势组）和雌激素替代治疗组（Ⅲ，替代组）3组SD雌鼠心肌组织的基因表达差异,随机选2个基因用半定量RT-PCR验证检测结果。结果:假手术组和去势组共检出心肌差异表达的基因177个，其中去卵巢导致上调的基因91个，下调的基因86个；去势组和替代组共检出心肌差异表达的基因164个，其中雌激素替代治疗后导致上调的基因113个，下调的基因54个。Ⅰ/Ⅱ和Ⅲ/Ⅱ比较，相同的差异表达基因54个，雌激素明显影响心肌膜通道和载体（18个）、细胞受体（9个）、信号转导相关基因（7个）和细胞代谢（6个）的mRNA水平。而大部分基因（45个）是在去势组表达下调，在雌激素替代组表达上调。RT-PCR实验证实了cDNA微阵列结果 。结论：长期雌激素替代治疗明显影响心肌细胞膜通道和载体、信号转导、细胞受体和细胞代谢等相关基因的表达。长期雌激素替代治疗可通过增加Na+,K+-ATPase和Na+/H+交换蛋白的基因表达，稳定心肌细胞内Na+和K+的浓度。雌激素还可抑制多巴胺受体基因的表达，预防心肌肥大、充血性心衰等心脏疾病的发生。     

雌激素对卵巢摘除大鼠心内神经节细胞Bcl-2和Bax表达的影响

本实验建立了去卵巢和雌激素替代疗法动物模型,用免疫组织化学SABC法结合图象分析方法,观察大鼠心内神经节细胞中Bcl-2和Bax的变化,探讨雌激素对卵巢摘除大鼠心内神经节细胞中Bcl-2和Bax表达的影响。去卵巢(OVX)大鼠心内神经节细胞中Bcl-2的表达较正常对照组明显减弱(P<0.05),雌激素替代治疗组大鼠心内神经节中Bcl-2的表达与正常对照组相比无显著性差异(P>0.05),而较卵巢摘除组显著增高(P<0.05);卵巢摘除后同时给予特异性雌激素受体阻断剂(TAM)和17β-雌二醇(OVX+TAM+ERT)组大鼠心内神经节中Bcl-2的表达较正常对照组显著减弱(P<0.05),但与OVX组无显著性差异(P>.05)。各组中Bax的表达无显著性差异(P>0.05)。实验结果提示雌激素能上调大鼠心内神经节细胞中Bcl-2的表达,但对Bax的表达无影响。     

Role of the ventromedial nucleus of hypothalamus in the male-induced enhancement of lordosis in female rats.

The involvement of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) in the mating-induced enhancement of lordosis in ovariectomized estrogen-primed rats was investigated. In the first experiment, females with bilateral VMH or sham lesions were primed with 2 micrograms estradiol benzoate, and 48 h later they were subjected to repeated-mating tests. The VMH-lesioned rats failed to exhibit lordosis during the tests; however, the sham-operated females exhibited a gradual increase in lordosis quotient (LQ) with repetitive matings. In the second experiment, ovariectomized females were bilaterally implanted with estradiol (E2) or cholesterol (C) in the VMH, 48 h prior to behavioral testing. Repeated-mating-induced elevation in LQ was observed in the females when they were bilaterally implanted with E2 in the VMH; C was ineffective. To exclude the possibility of the spread of E2 to areas adjacent to VMH, plasma-luteinizing hormone (LH) was measured. Elevation in the circulating LH levels following ovariectomy was not suppressed in the females following bilateral E2 implants in the VMH, suggesting that the effect of estrogen is localized within or immediately around the VMH. The results suggest that the integrity of the VMH is critical for the potentiation of lordosis behavior in ovariectomized estrogen-primed females by male-originating sensory cues, and that selective priming of the VMH with estrogen is sufficient for the male-induced enhancement of lordosis.     

In vivo GABA release from the medial preoptic area of diestrous and ovariectomized rats

Summary The push-pull cannula technique was used to examine the endogenous release of GABA from the medial preoptic area (MPO) of unanesthetized rats. In diestrous females the mean resting release of GABA was 27.1±2.0 pmol/min. GABA release was significantly elevated by increasing the potassium concentration in the perfusion solution to 50 mM, whereas it was dramatically inhibited by mercaptoproprionic acid (1.0 mM), a glutamic acid decarboxylase inhibitor. A comparison between diestrous females and chronically castrated animals indicated that endogenous GABA release in OVX animals was only 60–70% of that in diestrous animals. A model for the presynaptic inhibition of NE by estrogen receptive GABAergic neurons in the MPO is proposed.Partially supported by the German Research Society (grant No. WU 60/5)Dr. Ondo was supported by a NICHHD Research Career Development Award (HD 00248)     

Effects of electrochemical stimulation of medial preoptic area on prolactin and luteinizing hormone release in old female rats

Summary Serum prolactin and LH levels in old constant estrous rats were higher than in old pseudopregnant rats. Electrochemical stimulation of the medial preoptic area in old constant estrous rats resulted in significant increases in serum concentration of prolactin and LH, and subsequent ovulation. Old pseudopregnant rats showed only a small increase in serum prolactin, no increase in serum LH and no ovulation. The high circulating levels of estrogen in old constant estrous rats, and the relative lack of estrogen and the presence of progesterone in the old pseudopregnant rats, may account for the differences observed in response of the medial preoptic area to electrochemical stimulation.Aided in part by NIH research grants CA 10771 and AM 4784.     

雌激素替代治疗对中年卵巢切除大鼠大脑白质、海马内髓鞘及Lingo-1蛋白的影响

目的检测经短期雌激素替代治疗(ERT)后中年卵巢切除大鼠大脑白质及海马内髓鞘相关指标及Lingo-1的表达,探讨雌激素对髓鞘作用的可能机制。方法 24只中年雌性SD大鼠行双侧卵巢切除术(OVX)后,随机分为安慰剂治疗组(OVX+Veh组)和雌激素替代治疗组(OVX+E组)。ERT 1个月后,Morris水迷宫检测大鼠空间学习和记忆能力;从各组大鼠随机选取10只,透射电子显微镜观察大脑白质及海马内髓鞘的超微结构;Western blot检测大脑白质及海马内髓磷脂碱性蛋白(MBP)及Lingo-1的含量;免疫组化方法检测Lingo-1在大脑白质及海马的分布。结果 OVX+E组大鼠在定位航行实验中的潜伏期显著短于OVX+Veh组大鼠(P0.05);OVX+Veh组大鼠大脑白质和海马存在显著的髓鞘结构变性;OVX+E组大鼠大脑白质和海马中MBP的含量均显著高于OVX+Veh组(P0.05),而OVX+E组大鼠大脑白质和海马中Lingo-1的含量及分布均显著低于OVX+Veh组(P0.05)。结论1个月的ERT对中年卵巢切除大鼠的认知功能及大脑白质和海马内的髓鞘具有明显的保护作用,这种保护作用可能与雌激素下调大脑白质和海马内Lingo-1蛋白的表达有关。     

Effect of estrogen therapy on cerebral arteries during stroke in female rats

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of estrogen therapy on the structural and functional properties of the middle cerebral artery during ischemia and reperfusion. DESIGN: Ovariectomized (OVX; n = 8) and ovariectomized with estrogen therapy (OVX+EST; n = 8) female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 1 hour of ischemia using a model of temporary focal ischemia of the middle cerebral artery with 24 hours of reperfusion and compared to sham controls (CTL; n = 8). After occlusion and reperfusion, right middle cerebral arteries were removed from the brain and mounted on glass cannulas in a chamber that allowed for control over transmural pressure and measurement of lumen diameter. Lumen diameter was measured in response to increased transmural pressure (myogenic tone) as well as response to nitro-L-arginine, serotonin, and nifedipine. Cerebrovascular reactivity was compared to other stroke outcome measures, including infarct volume (%) and neurologic deficit. RESULTS: Serum estrogen was increased in OVX+EST rats (60.5 +/- 18.2 pg/mL) compared to OVX (0.2 +/- 0.2 pg/mL P < 0.05 vs OVX+EST) and CTL animals (1.3 +/- 1.0 pg/mL P > 0.05 vs OVX). OVX showed significantly less myogenic tone at 75 mm Hg (13.8 +/- 3.6%, P < 0.05 vs CTL) than CTL (29.8 +/- 4.7%) that was partially restored by estrogen therapy (21.2 +/- 4.5; P > 0.05). At serotonin concentrations of 10(-7) M, 3 x 10(-7) M, and 10(-6) M, the vessels from ischemic OVX rats showed significantly greater constriction (20.9 +/- 2.1%, 35.0 +/- 3.9%, and 39.4 +/- 3.4%, respectively) compared to nonischemic CTL rats (6.3 +/- 1.1%, 11.3 +/- 1.8%, and 16.8 +/- 2.5%, respectively P < 0.05). Estrogen therapy resulted in intermediate responses (18.2 +/- 5.3%, 25.2 +/- 6.6%, and 28.2 +/- 6.5%, respectively) that were not significantly different from the other groups. In addition, ischemia resulted in significantly greater dilation in response to 0.01 microM nifedipine in vessels from OVX animals (51.1 +/- 8.0%) compared to nonischemic CTL (18.0 +/- 3.8%; P < 0.05) and estrogen therapy resulted in an intermediate response (38.0 +/- 10.6; P > 0.05). Both reactivity to nitro-L-arginine and passive distensibility were not different among groups. There were no differences in percent infarct or neurologic deficit between ischemic groups. CONCLUSIONS: The influence of ischemia and reperfusion on vessel function was more dominant than that of estrogen therapy. However, estrogen therapy seemed to partially restore vessel function to similar levels as nonischemic vessels.     

Hormonal therapy with estradiol and drospirenone improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the coronary bed of ovariectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats

Drospirenone (DRSP) is a progestin with anti-aldosterone properties and it reduces blood pressure in hypertensive women. However, the effects of DRSP on endothelium-dependent coronary vasodilation have not been evaluated. This study investigated the effects of combined therapy with estrogen (E2) and DRSP on endothelium-dependent vasodilation of the coronary bed of ovariectomized (OVX) spontaneously hypertensive rats. Female spontaneously hypertensive rats (n=87) at 12 weeks of age were randomly divided into sham operated (Sham), OVX, OVX treated with E2 (E2), and OVX treated with E2 and DRSP (E2+DRSP) groups. Hemodynamic parameters were directly evaluated by catheter insertion into the femoral artery. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation in response to bradykinin in the coronary arterial bed was assessed using isolated hearts according to a modified Langendorff method. Coronary protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) was assessed by Western blotting. Histological slices of coronary arteries were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and morphometric parameters were analyzed. Oxidative stress was assessed in situ by dihydroethidium fluorescence. Ovariectomy increased systolic blood pressure, which was only prevented by E2+DRSP treatment. Estrogen deficiency caused endothelial dysfunction, which was prevented by both treatments. However, the vasodilator response in the E2+DRSP group was significantly higher at the three highest concentrations compared with the OVX group. Reduced ER-α expression in OVX rats was restored by both treatments. Morphometric parameters and oxidative stress were augmented by OVX and reduced by E2 and E2+DRSP treatments. Hormonal therapy with E2 and DRSP may be an important therapeutic option in the prevention of coronary heart disease in hypertensive post-menopausal women.     

Effect of vitamin K2 on cortical and cancellous bones in orchidectomized young rats

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to compare the effect of vitamin K(2) on cortical and cancellous bones in orchidectomized young rats. METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats, 6 weeks of age, were randomized by stratified weight method into four groups with 10 rats in each group: baseline controls (BLC), age-matched controls (AMC), orchidectomy (ORX), and ORX+vitamin K(2) administration (K). Vitamin K(2) (menatetrenone) was administered subcutaneously twice a week at dose of 30 mg/kg each. The experimental period was 8 weeks, and cortical and cancellous bone histomorphometry was performed on the tibial shaft and the proximal tibia, respectively. RESULTS: Cortical area (Ct Ar) and cancellous bone volume (BV/TV) were significantly greater in the AMC group than in the BLC group. Ct Ar was significantly lower in the ORX group than in the AMC group, and cancellous BV/TV was also significantly lower in the ORX group than in the AMC group as a result of significantly increased eroded surface (ES/BS). Although Ct Ar in the ORX+K group did not differ significantly from that in the ORX group, cancellous BV/TV was significantly greater in the ORX+K group than in the ORX group, but still significantly lower than in the AMC group. This protective effect of vitamin K(2) on cancellous bone was attributable to normalizing increased ES/BS. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin K(2) appears to act more strongly on cancellous bone than on cortical bone in ORX young rats. High dose vitamin K(2) could partially prevent the reduction of cancellous bone gain by normalizing raised bone resorption in ORX young rats.     

雌激素对卵巢摘除大鼠心内神经节细胞胆碱乙酰基转移酶和一氧化氮合酶表达的影响

目的：探讨雌激素对卵巢摘除大鼠心内神经节细胞中神经递质的影响。方法：建立去卵巢(OVX)和雌激素替代疗法动物模型，2个月后用免疫组化结合图象分析方法观察大鼠心内神经节细胞中胆碱乙酰基转移酶(ChAT)和一氧化氮合酶(NOS1)的变化。结果：在OVX大鼠心内神经节细胞中ChAT和NOS1较正常对照组明显减少，雌激素(E2)替代治疗组与正常对照组相比无明显变化，OVX 雌激素受体拮抗剂(TAM)组较正常对照组显著减少，但与OVX组无明显差异。结论：雌激素能上调大鼠(OVX)心内神经节细胞中ChAT和NOS1的表达，雌激素可能够通过对心内神经节细胞中神经递质的调节，间接发挥对心血管功能的调节作用。     

内皮源性硫化氢在雌激素抗动脉粥样硬化中的作用及机制

 目的：探讨内皮源性硫化氢（H2S）在雌激素诱导的抗动脉粥样硬化过程中的作用及其机制。方法：在体外培养的人脐静脉内皮细胞（HUVECs）上观察17β-雌二醇（E2）促进H2S快速释放的效应,并进一步观察雌激素受体在此过程中的作用。在去势雌性ApoE–/–C57BL/6小鼠中建立动脉粥样硬化模型,实验分为去势组（OVX）、去势+E2治疗组（OVX+E2）、去势+E2+内源性H2S生成酶抑制剂DL-炔丙基甘氨酸(PPG)治疗组（OVX+E2+PPG）,观察各组大鼠血液中H2S的浓度和动脉粥样斑块大小。结果：E2可以促进HUVECs快速释放H2S,且具有时间效应和浓度效应。雌激素受体α亚型激动剂丙基吡唑三醇(而不是β亚型激动剂二芳丙腈）可以模拟E2促H2S释放效应,雌激素受体拮抗剂ICI 182780可以阻断E2促H2S释放效应。在动物模型上,与OVX相比,OVX+E2组动脉粥样硬化明显改善,血液中H2S浓度升高;而OVX+E2+PPG组动脉粥样硬化无明显改善,H2S浓度无明显差异。结论: 雌激素通过细胞膜上的ERα促进内皮源性H2S的快速释放,H2S在雌激素抗动脉粥样硬化的过程中起着重要作用。     

Estrogen replacement reverses ovariectomy-induced vaginal hyperalgesia in the rat

OBJECTIVES: The loss of ovarian function in women through aging or oophorectomy is often associated with the development of vaginal hyperalgesia that can be alleviated with estrogen replacement. This study examined if ovariectomy in rats would similarly give rise to vaginal hyperalgesia, and, if so, whether estrogen replacement would alleviate it. METHODS: Female rats were trained to perform an operant response to escape vaginal distention delivered by inflating a balloon located in mid-vaginal canal. Percent escape responses to eight different volumes of distention measured in normally cycling rats were compared with measures made in the same rats following ovariectomy (OVX) or sham ovariectomy (shamOVX), and then, in the OVX group, estrogen replacement (OVX+E2). Pressures exerted by the eight volumes on the vaginal wall were also measured, thereby permitting assessment of vaginal tone. RESULTS: Whereas overall escape response percentages after OVX, but not shamOVX, were significantly higher to the largest six distention volumes compared with responses during cycling, there were individual differences in the amount of hyperalgesia. Following OVX+E2, escape response percentages decreased in all but one rat. Vaginal tone after OVX, shamOVX or OVX+E2 did not differ from overall vaginal tone in cycling rats. CONCLUSIONS: Ovariectomy in rats evokes a variable amount of vaginal hyperalgesia that can be alleviated by estrogen replacement in most cases. Thus, the ovariectomized rat appears to provide a useful model for the study of mechanisms underlying the dyspareunia that is associated with loss of ovarian function in women.     

Lack of functional estrogen receptor beta influences anxiety behavior and serotonin content in female mice

Estrogen has been linked to the modulation of anxiety in females. Here we report results of anxiety tests conducted in female estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) knockout (ERbetaKO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Ovariectomized (OVX) mice treated with chronic estradiol (E2) replacement did not behave differently on the elevated plus-maze when compared with OVX mice that did not experience hormone replacement. However, a genotype difference was noted; WT females were more likely to explore the distal portion of the open arm of the maze than ERbetaKO littermates. In addition, ERbetaKO female mice had significantly lower serotonin (5-HT) content than WT littermates in several brain regions including: the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, preoptic area, and hippocampus. A similar trend was noted in the dorsal raphe nucleus. Dopamine content was reduced within the caudate putamen in ERbetaKO mice as compared to brains from WT animals. Thus, in the absence of functional ERbeta, regardless of the presence or absence of circulating E2 in plasma, female mice exhibited enhanced anxiety and decreased concentrations of 5-HT or dopamine in several brain regions. We hypothesize that ERbeta is required during development to modulate the effects of estrogen on anxiety and catecholamine concentrations in female mouse brains.     

雌激素对大鼠血管平滑肌细胞囊泡素-1基因表达的影响

目的:探讨雌激素对血管平滑肌细胞囊泡素-1基因表达的影响。方法:取Wistar雌性大鼠,分为3组:假手术组,卵巢切除后皮下埋植雌激素组 (OVX+E组)及卵巢切除后皮下埋植安慰剂组(OVX+V组)。用药2周后处死大鼠,剥离主动脉平滑肌组织,提取总RNA进行半定量RT-PCR分析,检测雌激素对囊泡素-1(caveolin-1)基因表达的影响。为进一步明确雌激素是否直接调节血管平滑肌细胞caveolin-1基因表达,又采用100 nmol/L 17β-雌二醇(17β-E₂)处理培养的大鼠血管平滑肌细胞24 h,通过Northern blot分析检测雌激素对细胞caveolin-1 mRNA表达的影响。结果:OVX+E组大鼠主动脉平滑肌组织caveolin-1基因表达量明显高于OVX+V组,17β-E₂处理的培养细胞中caveolin-1基因mRNA表达量高于未用药的培养细胞。 结论:雌激素可促进血管平滑肌细胞caveolin-1基因表达,反映了雌激素心血管作用机理的一个方面。     

Estrogen modifies the baroreceptor-induced responses of supraoptic vasopressin neurons in the ovariectomized rat

Effects of estrogen (E2) and estrogen plus progesterone (EP) on the baroreceptor-induced response of the spontaneous discharge activity in the supraoptic (SON) vasopressin (AVP) neurons were examined in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. An increase or a decrease in arterial blood pressure induced by intravenous injection of phenylephrine or nitroprusside, resulted in an inhibition or an acceleration of the discharge activity in the identified AVP neurons. The slopes that were derived from a least squares regression line for the arterial blood pressure and baroreceptor-induced responses of AVP neurons in both OVX + E2 and OVX + EP rats were statistically smaller (P < 0.05) than that in the control OVX rat. These results suggest a functional relationship between ovarian endocrine and autonomic functions in the female rat.