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  • Title: Norgestimate increases pituitary and hypothalamic concentrations of immunoreactive beta-endorphin.
    Author: Genazzani AR, Petraglia F, Cleva M, Brilli G, Mercuri N, De Ramundo BM, Volpe A.
    Journal: Contraception; 1989 Nov; 40(5):605-13. PubMed ID: 2533055.
    Abstract:
    Progesterone is a potent hormone acting on the female reproductive tract and influencing a series of other functions. Recent studies revealed a correlation between progesterone and brain neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Our study evaluated the possible effect of norgestimate, a new progestin, on hypothalamic and pituitary beta-endorphin (B-EP) concentration in castrated female rats. Ovariectomy was performed under ethyl ether anesthesia. Treatment was started 3 weeks after surgery. Norgestimate, estradiol benzoate or norgestimate plus estradiol benzoate were administered. The two steroids were dissolved in sesame oil and injected (s.c.) every day for 2 weeks. Pituitary and hypothalamus B-EP concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Our studies showed that norgestimate increases the pituitary and hypothalamic B-EP concentration in female rats, reaching values higher than controls and estrogen-treated rats. Because B-EP has an important role in reproductive function, both modulating gonadotropin secretion and sexual behavior, the present results lead to the hypothesis that norgestimate affecting B-EP concentrations may influence central functions.
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