GnRH antagonist inhibition of luteinizing hormone secretion and ovulation in the pig

A GnRH antagonist, Ac-d-p-Cl-Phe1,2, d-Trp3, d-Arg6, d-Ala10 GnRHb (Organon), was utilized to determine the effective dosage and duration to inhibit LH secretion in the pig. In a preliminary trial, barrows received either 10, 50, or 250 μg/kg BW of the GnRH antagonist. Secretion of LH was inhibited within 30 min for a duration of 12 h with the 100 μg/kg dose but persisted for greater than 48 h with the 250 μg/kg treatment. A second study determined effectiveness of the antagonist for inhibiting ovulation in cyclic gilts. At first detection of standing estrus, cyclic gilts were treated with either saline (control), 100, or 200 μg/kg BW of the GnRH antagonist (GnRH1). A second group of GnRH antagonist gilts received 200 μg/kg BW of the GnRH antagonist approximately 8 h prior to standing estrus (GnRH2). The GnRH1-treatment failed to inhibit or delay ovulation. Ovulation was inhibited and estrous cycles lengthened in GnRH2-treated gilts. These preliminary results suggest that ovulation in the gilt can be inhibited if the GnRH antagonist is administered prior to the LH surge.