The effect of aging on hypothalamic function in oophorectomized women
Article Abstract:
When the ovaries of aged rats, which are no longer functioning, are transplanted into younger rats, the ovaries begin to function again. This suggests that ovarian functioning is controlled by a higher source, namely the hypothalamic-pituitary hormone centers in the brain. The effect of aging on the hormone functioning of the hypothalamus was studied in 12 women who had had their ovaries removed 10 months to two years prior to the study. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are two hormones produced by the hypothalamus gland that stimulate the ovaries to produce estrogen. Another pituitary hormone, prolactin, stimulates the growth of breast tissue. The women divided into those 27-49 years of age and those 52-64 years of age. Blood was drawn every ten minutes for five hours. All women had low estrogen levels and normal prolactin levels. The amounts of FSH and LH were the same in the younger and older women. The amount of time since the onset of menstruation or the length of time without functioning ovaries did not alter the levels of LH and FSH. It is concluded that the ovaries cease functioning and are no longer stimulated by pituitary hormones because of age-related changes in the ovary itself, not because of changes in the hypothalamus. Therefore, release of hormones from the hypothalamus is not affected by aging. The loss of ovarian functioning is the result of ovarian failure caused by aging. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1990
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Changes in gap junction connexin-43 messenger ribonucleic acid levels associated with rat ovarian follicular development as demonstrated by in situ hybridization
Article Abstract:
Gap junction connexin-43 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) may play an important role in the regulation of different cellular processes in the ovaries. Connexins are a group of proteins that are the main component of a gap junction, a specialized structure that connects the plasma membranes of adjoining cells with a cell-to-cell channel. A study examined ovarian regulation of connexin-43 mRNA in immature female rats. Connexin-43 mRNA was found only in follicular granulosa cells, a type of cell found in ovarian follicles. Treatment with estrogen increased the levels of connexin-43 mRNA, but treatment with gonadotropins decreased the levels of connexin-43 mRNA. An ovarian follicle is the layer of specialized cells that surround an ovum, or egg.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Interferon gamma inhibits luteinized human granulosa cell steroid production in vitro
Article Abstract:
High levels of interferon gamma may inhibit fertilization and cause premature failure of the ovaries in women undergoing in vitro fertilization. Researchers working with women undergoing in vitro fertilization conducted cell analysis of granulosa cell progesterone, estrone, and estradiol in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, both in the presence and absence of white blood cells. Interferon gamma inhibited the production of granulosa cell progesterone, estrone, and estradiol. It regulated the production of steroids from the ovaries during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. White blood cells may inhibit the response of granulosa cell progesterone to human chorionic gonadotropin.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: The effect of oral magnesium substitution on pregnancy-induced leg cramps
- Abstracts: The effects of weight reduction on blood pressure in 301 obese patients. Effects of meals and time of day on postural blood pressure responses in young and elderly subjects
- Abstracts: Evaluation and management of menstrual dysfunction in athletes. A 21-year-old woman with menstrual irregularity
- Abstracts: Causes and consequences of blood pressure alterations in obstructive sleep apnea. National high blood pressure education program working group report on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
- Abstracts: Neurologic sequelae of open-heart surgery in children: an 'irritating question'. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in infants and children before and after cardiac surgery: a prospective study