Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) gene transcription was examined in ovariectomized female rats on the day of a steroid-induced LH surge using the RNase protection assay. LHRH mRNA levels were measured in cytosolic extracts, and LHRH primary transcript levels were measured in nuclear extracts prepared from tissue fragments that contained the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT) and the preoptic area (POA). Measurements of both mature and primary transcript levels demonstrated modest but significant changes over time. Alterations in LHRH primary transcript levels preceded changes in levels of mature mRNA suggesting a delay in the detectable response of the cytoplasmic pool of LHRH mRNA to changes in gene transcription at this time. When viewed in relation to circulating LH titers, LHRH primary transcript levels were high prior to the start of the LH surge and after peak levels of LH were attained, and they declined during the ascending phase of the LH surge. These findings suggest a potential role for increased LHRH gene transcription in the accumulation of LHRH prior to the start of the LH surge and in the replenishment of LHRH stores depleted during the surge. Moreover, the decrease in LHRH gene transcription during the ascending phase of the LH surge may be important for limiting surge duration. The data presented are consistent with a role for dynamic changes in LHRH transcriptional activity in modulating parameters of the steroid-induced LH surge and in replenishing the releasable pool of this essential decapeptide.