Plasma levels of cortisol, progesterone, oestradiol-17 beta and prostaglandin F-2 alpha metabolite after ACTH (Synacthen Depot (R)) administration inovariectomized gilts

In order to elucidate the effect of stress on reproductive hormones, the pr esent study was designed to investigate the effect of adrenocorticotropic h ormone (ACTH) on the plasma levels of cortisol, progesterone, oestradiol-17 beta and prostaglandin F-2 alpha metabolite in ovariectomized gilts. Ovari ectomy and cannulation of the jugular vein were performed within 1 week of oestrous detection, under general anaesthesia. Approximately 1 week after s urgery, two gilts were each administered ACTH (Synacthen Depot(R)) intraven ously, at a dose of 0.01 mg/kg body weight, and one gilt was given saline s olution (5 ml). The reverse was performed on the following day. The adminis tration of ACTH was followed by a concomitant elevation of cortisol, proges terone and prostaglandin F-2 alpha metabolite but not of oestradiol-17 beta . Peak cortisol, progesterone and prostaglandin F-2 alpha metabolite levels were reached at 80 +/- 10.0, 80 +/- 10.0 and 46.6 +/- 13.3 min after ACTH administration and the durations of the peaks were 181.8 +/- 19.8, 308.1 +/ - 49.7 and 181.8 +/- 7.9 min, respectively. The total area under the curve for cortisol, progesterone and prostaglandin F-2 alpha metabolite was signi ficantly higher in the ACTH than in the control group. The present results indicate that during stress, cortisol, progesterone and prostaglandin F-2 a lpha levels are elevated while the level of oestradiol-17 beta is less affe cted. It can be concluded that the administration of ACTH to ovariectomized gilts, results in the elevation of cortisol, progesterone and prostaglandi n Fz, metabolite but not of oestradiol-17 beta.