The onset of oestrus and ovulation in lactating rats

Maneckjee, Rhoda and Moudgal, NR (1975) The onset of oestrus and ovulation in lactating rats. In: Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, 44 (2). pp. 313-315.

PDF 313.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (207kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Lactation delays the re-initiation of oestrous cyclicity in rats, resulting in physiological sterility for the duration of suckling. During this phase, the secretion of pituitary gonadotrophins is suppressed by an unknown mechanism. Continued application of the suckling stimulus by litter replacement (Bruce, 1958; Nicoll & Meites, 1959), or injections of prolactin (Meites & Nicoll, 1959), have been shown to prolong lactation considerably beyond the usual period. The present study aimed to demonstrate the role of prolactin in inhibiting the gonadotrophin secretion necessary for the re-establishment of oestrous cyclicity during lactation. Pregnant rats weighing approximately 300 g were obtained from the Institute colony and housed in individual cages. At parturition, the number of young in the litter was adjusted to eight, two or one as required. The day following the post-partum oestrus was regarded.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Journal of Reproduction and Fertility
Publisher:	Society for Reproduction and Fertility
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to Society for Reproduction and Fertility.
Department/Centre:	Division of Biological Sciences > Biochemistry
Date Deposited:	13 Jan 2010 11:45
Last Modified:	19 Sep 2010 05:48
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/24049

Actions (login required)

View Item