Effects of prenatal stress on the activity of the pituitary-ovarian system in female rats.

The comparative analysis of hormonal status was performed in mature female rats with experimental deficiency of estrogens, which mothers were exposed to stress during pregnancy. High levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, and significantly lower amount of estradiol were observed in intact prenatally stressed females in comparison with intact non-stressed female rats. The increase in the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, and the decrease in estradiol concentration were more pronounced in blood serum of prenatally stressed ovariectomized rats as distinct from intact non-stressed and prenatally stressed female rats, and non-stressed ovariectomized female rats. We can conclude that prenatally stressed ovariectomized rats were characterized by an increased sensitivity to exogenous hormonal interventions and high lability of functional state of the pituitary-ovarian system.