Stress induced increases in hormones are thought to be involved in the disruptive effects of stress on reproduction. Acute and chronic stress results in an elevation of prolactin and elevated prolactin is associated with some cases of premenstrual syndrome, corpus luteum insufficiency, and infertility. Vitex, a natural plant product, has been shown to be clinically effective in alleviating symptoms in conditions associated with disorders of the menstrual cycle when prolactin is elevated, but the mechanism by which it acts is not well understood. The goal of this research is to further describe the mechanism of action of Vitex. Female sheep will be given an acute physiological stress (bacterial endotoxin) during the follicular phase in a manner known to disrupt the subsequent phases of their reproductive cycle. In the initial study, animals will be treated with Vitex to determine if Vitex will inhibit the stress induced release of prolactin and reduce the severity of the stress induced defects in hormonal levels and estrus cycle length. In a subsequent study the mechanism by which Vitex lowers prolactin will be evaluated by administering Vitex alone or concurrently with D1 or D2 antagonists in sheep during the non-breeding season. Finally, the effects of Vitex will be compared to the effects of D1 and D2 agonists and Vitex with either a D1 or D2 antagonists on stress induced defects in an experimental design similar to the first study.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31AT000656-01
Application #
6340121
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAT1-H (07))
Program Officer
Pearson, Nancy
Project Start
2001-06-18
Project End
Budget Start
2001-06-18
Budget End
2002-06-17
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$23,599
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Davis
Department
Veterinary Sciences
Type
Schools of Earth Sciences/Natur
DUNS #
094878337
City
Davis
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
95618
Eliaz, Isaac; Hotchkiss, Arland T; Fishman, Marshall L et al. (2006) The effect of modified citrus pectin on urinary excretion of toxic elements. Phytother Res 20:859-64