Endocrine Abstracts

The goal of this study was to determine whether ghrelin increase aromatase gene expressions and estradiol 17-β concentrations in ventromedial (VMH) and lateral hypothalamic area (LH). Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups. Animals in different groups were received either saline, 1, 2 or 4 ng ghrelin into their VMH and LH. After infusion of ghrelin, VMH and LH tissue were separated and homogenized. Homogenized sample were assayed for aromatase gene expression by PCR technique and estradiol 17-β (E₂) concentrations by RIA techniques. Infusion of 2 and 4 ng ghrelin into VMH and LH area significantly increased the mean aromatase gene expressions and E₂ concentrations in the VMH and LH of the rats. Infusion of 1 ng ghrelin into VMH and LH area did not change the mean aromatase gene expressions and E₂ concentrations in the VMH and LH of the rats.The result of this study indicated that ghrelin may depolarize neurosteroids of VMH and LH and consequently increase aromataze gene expressions and E₂ concentrations in the brain of the rats.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.