Abstract
Summary
Hypophysectomy (PX) or anti-LH treatment resulted in vaginal bleeding followed by absortion as well as luteal and follicular degeneration in 8-day pregnant hamsters. The effects were successfully reversed by daily injections of 50 μg LH in sesame oil–beeswax (82 vs 94% in controls) or 25 μg LH plus 2 mg prolactin (78%). Partial reversal was observed with 100 μg LH (50%) or 200 μg FSH plus 2 mg prolactin (31%). Lower doses of LH with or without prolactin, were ineffective. Hypophysectomy on Day 12 caused expulsion of fetuses by Day 14 or 15 in 3 out of 9 animals. These results support a luteotropic and progestational role for LH in the pregnant hamster.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.