Evidence that neuropeptide Y (NPY) released into the hypophysial-portal circulation participates in priming gonadotropes to the effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)

Abstract

NPY exhibits modulatory activity at both the adenohypophysial and the central levels of the rat hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In the present studies, the secretion and physiological activity of endogenous irNPY was examined. We have shown that: (i) irNPY is secreted into the hypophysial-portal circulation, (ii) hypophysial-portal concentration profiles of irNPY and irGnRH are parallel throughout the rat estrous cycle, and (iii) removal of endogenous NPY via immunoneutralization inhibits the steroid-induced LH surge in ovariectomized rats. From these observations, we speculate that NPY secreted into the hypophysial-portal circulation participates in priming of gonadotropes to the actions of GnRH on the afternoon of the preovulatory surge.