Abstract
Summary
The effect of hysterectomy on luteal function was evaluated in 12 pseudo-pregnant rabbits by radioimmunoassay of progesterone in peripheral serum. Blood for assays was obtained by heart puncture before mating and on every third day of pseudo-pregnancy thereafter. Between Days 12 and 15, serum progesterone levels of the five controls fell sharply (M ± SE = 3.7 ± 1.0 ng/ml), whereas those of the seven hysterectomized animals remained higher (M ± SE = 10.1 ± 2.6 ng/ml). These findings are compatible either with a uterine luteolysin in the rabbit or with an “estrogen-sparing” effect of hysterectomy.
The authors are indebted to Dr. Guy E. Abraham for the progesterone antiserum (S-41-6) used in the radioimmunoassays.
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