Influence of Apricot Kernels on Blood Plasma Levels of Selected Anterior Pituitary Hormones in Male and Female Rabbits in vivo

Abstract

Amygdalin is represented in the family Rosacea more precisely in apricot kernels and almonds. There are a lot of components such as trace elements, vitamins, carbohydrates, organic acids, esters, phenols, terpenoids, except cyanogenic glycoside in the seeds. It is known that bioregulators can modulate the activity of specific enzymes and hormones very exactly at low levels and in a short time. The aim of our study was examine the effects of selected doses (0, 60, 300, 420 mg/kg b.w.) of apricot kernels in feed on the plasma levels of anterior pituitary hormones in young male and female rabbits in vivo. A sensitive, biochemical method, ELISA was used to determine the hormones prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). 28-day application of apricot kernels did not affect the concentration of PRL, LH, FSH in blood plasma of males. No significant (P≥0.05) differences in case of PRL and LH levels in the blood plasma of females were found. On the other hand a significant (P≤0.05) inhibition of FSH release induced by kernels at the doses 300, 420 mg/kg was found. Our results indicate that apricot kernels could affect secretion of anterior pituitary hormone FSH in female rabbits.