ABSENCE OF COMPENSATORY OVARIAN HYPERTROPHY IN RATS WITH ANTERIOR HYPOTHALAMIC LESIONS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Absence of compensatory ovarian hypertrophy in »constant oestrus rats« from lesions in the anterior hypothalamic area suggests that nervous elements localized in this region play an essential role in the stimulation of gonadotrophin output by diminution of the blood oestrogen level. The constant vaginal oestrus after unilateral ovariectomy in the majority of animals was, however, repeatedly interrupted by vaginal smears of a dioestrous type. The appearance of a dioestrous vaginal smear in the »hypothalamic constant oestrus rats« is often associated with some luteinisation. It is assumed that diminution of the blood oestrogen level by reduction of ovarian tissue in these animals may bring about a release of LH sufficient to cause formation of corpora lutea.