Effects of furazolidone or nitrofurazone on the concentrations of hypothalamic amines and plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL), levels in young turkeys

1. Furazolidone (30 mg/kg) given orally for 14 days produced significant increases in the hypothalamic concentrations of noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopa. The amine concentrations returned to normal one week after withdrawal of the drug. 2. Nitrofurazone (30 mg/kg) given orally for 14 days did not affect significantly the hypothalamic amine concentrations. 3. Nitrofurazone (30 mg/kg, 14 days) increased significantly the plasma concentration of prolactin (PRL) and decreased luteinizing hormone (LH). The concentrations of the two hormones returned to normal one week after the drug withdrawal. Furazolidone (7.5, 15 or 30 mg/kg) did not influence the concentrations of either hormone. 4. Furazolidone (30 mg/kg, 14 days) did not influence the release of LH or PRL after treatment of LHRH or TRH, respectively. Nitrofurazone at the same dose, however, reduced the increases in LH and PRL concentrations induced by LHRH and TRH, respectively.