The induction of ovulation in the rabbit, by electrical stimulation of the hypothalamo-hypophysial mechanism

Abstract

In two recent papers, by Marshall and Verney (1936), and by Harris (1936), the mechanism concerned with ovulation in the rabbit has been fully discussed. In view of this, only a brief summary of the present position will be given here. Ovulation in the rabbit occurs normally only after some form of sexual excitement. There is much evidence to show that the factors involved are: first, a nervous stimulation from the genital region and perhaps from the cortex, acting on the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland; and secondly, a hormonal factor, the pituitary gland secreting a gonadotropic hormone which affects the ovaries.