Effects of estrogen and progesterone on serum prolactin and luteinizing hormone levels in ovariectomized turkeys ( Meleagris gallopavo)

Serum prolactin (PRL) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels from mature female turkeys were determined following ovariectomy and daily subcutaneous injections for 4 or 9 days of 0.002–2.0 mg/kg estradiol benzoate (EB), 0.05–2.0 mg/kg progesterone (P), or their combinations. Serum PRL levels were increased ( P < 0.05) at the onset of sexual maturity in intact controls, but not in ovariectomized turkeys. Injection of 0.02 mg/kg EB into ovariectomized turkeys resulted in elevated ( P < 0.05) serum PRL levels after 8 treatment days. Higher doses failed to elicit a response of greater magnitude. EB at doses of 0.02–2.0 mg/kg reduced LH levels while 0.002 mg/kg EB increased LH levels above ( P < 0.05) those of ovariectomized controls. The 1.0-mg/kg P dose increased ( P < 0.05) serum PRL within 24–48 hr of administration while the 0.05-, 0.5-, or 2.0-mg/kg P doses failed to elicit a response. When P was injected in doses of 0.5–2.0 mg/kg, LH levels were decreased in a dose-response manner. The injection of EB combined with P had a variable effect on serum PRL levels. The 0.5- or 1.0-mg/kg dose of P facilitated (advanced in time) the rise in serum PRL level induced by 0.02 mg/kg of EB. In contrast, the positive feedback effect of 0.2 mg/kg of EB was blocked when administered with 0.5 mg/kg of P. Serum LH levels were dramatically decreased by all steroid combinations used. These results indicate that daily injections of EB and/or P in ovariectomized turkeys have a variable effect on serum PRL and LH levels depending upon the dose, the duration of treatment, or the ratio between EB and P.