EFFECT OF ERGOT ALKALOIDS UPON LUTEAL FUNCTION IN THE FERRET

Abstract

SUMMARY Since ergocornine is believed to block prolactin secretion in several species, the drug was given to pseudopregnant ferrets in an attempt to define the rôle of the hormone in the control of luteal function. The effects of ergocornine, and of the more potent analogue 2-bromo-α-ergocryptine, were followed by assay of the progestin content of the blood and histological examination of the ovaries. Ergocornine was given at the time of induction of pseudo-pregnancy by an injection of luteinizing hormone (day 0), on day 1, days 0 and 1, days 0, 2, 4 and 6, or day 7, and 2-bromo-α-ergocryptine on days 0, 1, 2 and 3, or 7, 8, 9 and 10. A lasting depression of plasma progestin content occurred after the injection of ergocornine on days 0 and 1, perhaps because of interference with the formation of the luteal bodies. Other injection régimes had little effect on progestin secretion.