Effects of chronic hyperandrogenism and/or administered central nervous system insulin on ovarian manifestation and gonadotropin and steroid secretion

We suggest that ICV insulin acts either directly or indirectly to increase the LH responsiveness to GnRH. ICV insulin arrested the maturation of follicles leading to an increase in the number of small follicles. Peripheral androgens stimulated theca enlargement with cystic follicles. The combination of ICV insulin and peripheral androgens attenuated ovarian histologic changes and gonadotropin secretion. Thus, central hyperinsulinemia and peripheral hyperandrogenism may play a role in gonadotropin secretion as well as ovarian morphology.