The effects of guanethidine induce denervation of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system on the onset of puberty in female rats

Intraperitoneal injection of guanethidine (50 mg Kg-1 day-1) in newborn rats produeces complete and permanent sympathectomy. The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of this form of denervation on the onset of puberty in female rats. Treatment began 7 days after birth and was maiantained for 3 weeks. In the 45th day, animals were killed by decaptation and plasma LH and FSH levels wee measured. Based on the day of vaginal opening (puberty index), the results show that guanethidine induces a delay in the onset of puberty. The concentrations of LH and FSH in the plasma were not statistically different from those in control rats