Dermorphin decreases plasma LH levels in human: Evidence for a modulatory role of gonadal steroid

Degli Uberti E.C.

Petraglia F.

Trasforini G.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dermorphin, a new synthetic powerful opiate-like heptapeptide, on plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in fertile and postmenopausal women. In fertile subjects, dermorphin (5.5 μg/kg min for 30 min) decreases plasma LH (p<0.01 vs. baseline and placebo values), but not plasma FSH. The area under the curve during dermorphin infusion was significantly lower than during placebo infusion (p<0.01). Pretreatment with the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone, blocked the decrease of plasma LH levels. In postmenopausal women not subjected to any treatment, dermorphin infusion did not significantly modify plasma LH and FSH levels. On the contrary, its administration to postmenopausal subjects treated with conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate significantly decreased plasma LH levels (p<0.01, vs. baseline, placebo and area under the curve). Considering the modulatory role exerted by ovarian steroids on the activity of such receptors, these data also indicate that opioid systems play a very important part in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis. © 1985

Degli Uberti E. C.

Facchinetti F.

Margutti A.

Volpe A.

Salvadori S.

Tomatis R.

Genazzani A. R.

Archivio istituzionale della ricerca - Università di Ferrara

Dermorphin decreases plasma LH levels in human: Evidence for a modulatory role of gonadal steroids

Dermorphin decreases plasma LH levels in human: Evidence for a modulatory role of gonadal steroids

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Archivio istituzionale della ricerca - Università di Ferrara