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Relationships among GnRH, substance P, prostaglandins, sex steroids and aromatase activity in the brain of the male lizard Podarcis sicula sicula during reproduction

The release of PGF₂ and PGE_2', progesterone, androgens and oestradiol in vitro, and the aromatase activity in the brain of the male lizard Podarcis sicula sicula during three different phases of the reproductive period were evaluated. In addition, the effects of salmon GnRH, substance P, salmon GnRH antagonist, substance P antagonist, PGF_2', PGE₂ and acetylsalicylic acid on the release of prostaglandins and sex steroids and on aromatase activity in the brain were evaluated during the same three phases. PGF_2', oestradiol and aromatase activity were higher during the refractory phase, androgens during the fighting phase, and progesterone during the mating phase, while PGE₂ was lower during the refractory phase. Treatment with salmon GnRH increased PGF_2', oestradiol and aromatase activity, but decreased the amount of androgens released. Substance P decreased PGF_2', oestradiol and aromatase activity, but increased the amount of androgens released. PGF₂ increased oestradiol and aromatase activity, but decreased the amount of androgens released. Acetylsalicylic acid decreased PGF_2', oestradiol and aromatase activity, but increased the amount of androgens released. These data suggest that salmon GnRH and substance P have different roles in reproductive processes, with opposite mechanisms, in the central nervous system of this male lizard: salmon GnRH seems to be involved in regulating the refractory phase, while substance P plays a role in regulating the fighting phase.