Influence of 2 Br-alpha-ergocryptine (CB 154) on the secretion of prolactin, LH, FSH and testosterone and on testicular growth in rams subjected to different photoperiods

The influence of 2-Br-alpha-ergocryptine (CB 154) on the secretion of gonadotrophins and on testicular function has been studied in rams subjected to either a normal photoperiod or an abnormal photoperiod causing hyperprolactinaemia. The CB 154 treatment significantly lowered the mean frequency of LH and testosterone pulses in hyperprolactinaemic animals as compared to solvent-treated ones. Also, only those groups subjected to an abnormal photoperiod (groups 2 and 3) exhibited a significant rise in the frequency of LH and testosterone peaks after CB 154 was withdrawn. During treatment, plasma FSH concentrations increased significantly only in group 1 which was subjected to normal photoperiodic variations. Testicular growth was delayed in CB 154-treated rams compared to solvent-treated ones only in group 3 (hyperprolactinaemic).