The plant metabolite, 6-methoxybenzoxazolinone, stimulates an increase in secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone and size of reproductive organs in Microtus pinetorum

Biol Reprod. 1988 May;38(4):817-20. doi: 10.1095/biolreprod38.4.817.

Abstract

The plant metabolite, 6-methoxybenzoxazolinone (6-MBOA), occurring in leaf tissue of rapidly growing monocots, cues reproduction in some mammals. In the pine vole, Microtus pinetorum, peripubertal females respond to this nonestrogenic compound with a 40% increase in serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In addition, 6-MBOA significantly increases the weight of the ovary and uterus in both peripubertal and mature voles. This study is the first to offer evidence that 6-MBOA interacts with the pituitary to stimulate reproduction in voles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arvicolinae / physiology*
  • Benzoxazoles / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / metabolism*
  • Genitalia, Female / anatomy & histology
  • Genitalia, Female / drug effects*
  • Organ Size / drug effects
  • Ovary / anatomy & histology
  • Ovary / drug effects
  • Reproduction / drug effects
  • Uterus / anatomy & histology
  • Uterus / drug effects

Substances

  • Benzoxazoles
  • 6-methoxybenzoxazolinone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone