EFFECT OF GONADOTROPHINS ON THE OESTROUS CYCLE IN THE GUINEA-PIG

Abstract

SUMMARY Adult virgin, regularly cyclic female guinea-pigs were treated with different doses of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone during the late luteal phase of the oestrous cycle. The onset of the next oestrus was delayed and the length of the dioestrous stage was prolonged beyond the normal range in all the treated groups, but for a maximum period in the animals receiving LH alone. The results indicate a dual role of LH on the normal cycle of the guineapig. It has been suggested that either luteotrophin release from the pituitary or an intrinsic luteotrophic action is probably a part of the function of LH in addition to its ovulation-inducing function in the guinea-pig.