Reflex modulation of ovarian estradiol secretion by noxious mechanical stimulation of a hindpaw in anesthetized rats

Previously, we demonstrated that electrical stimulation of the superior ovarian nerve in rats reduces the ovarian estradiol secretion rate. In the present study, we examined the effect of noxious mechanical afferent stimulation (pinching) of a hindpaw on the ovarian estradiol secretion rate in rats. The rats were anesthetized on the day of estrus, and the ovarian venous blood was collected intermittently. The secretion rate of estradiol from the ovary was calculated from differences in the estradiol concentration between ovarian venous plasma and systemic arterial blood plasma, and from the flow rate of ovarian venous plasma. Pinching stimulation of a hindpaw for 5 min decreased the estradiol secretion rate from the ovary. A significant reduction of the estradiol secretion rate began at 5 min after the end of the stimulation and lasted for 20 min. The minimum decrease in estradiol secretion rate was 71.1 ± 14.0% of the prestimulus basal values at 15 min after the stimulation ended. The decrease responses of the ovarian estradiol secretion rate were abolished by bilateral severance of the superior ovarian nerves. The efferent activity of the superior ovarian nerves was increased following hindpaw pinching. After spinal transection at the second cervical level, the increased response of the superior ovarian nerve activity by hindpaw pinching was abolished. These results indicate that noxious mechanical stimulation of a hindpaw decreases the estradiol secretion rate from the ovary, and that the response is due to reflex activation of ovarian sympathetic nerves, mediated by supraspinal structures.