beta-Endorphin modulates the inhibitory action of corticotropin-releasing factor on luteinizing hormone secretion

The present study investigates the possible role of endogenous opioid peptides in mediating the inhibitory effect of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) on circulating luteinizing hormone (LH). The central injection of an antiserum against beta-endorphin (beta-END) reversed CRF-induced LH decrease in castrated male rats, while antisera raised against DYN-A or M-Enk were inactive. beta-END-(6-31) (2 nmole, icv), a beta-END antagonist, and beta-funaltrexamine (4.8 nmole, icv), a mu 1 opiate receptor antagonist, also reversed the effect of CRF on LH. Either kappa (Mr 1456 and Mr 2266) (10 mg/kg, ip), or delta (ICI 154,129) (10 nmole, icv) opiate receptor antagonists did not significantly modify the inhibitory effect of CRF on circulating LH levels. These results suggest that central beta-END participates in the inhibitory action of CRF on LH secretion.