Influence of Hypophysectomy, Sham Hypophysectomy and Other Surgical Procedures on Luteal Function in the Rhesus Monkey

Abstract

The effects of hypophysectomy and of sham hypophysectomy, performed at known times after ovulation, on plasma progesterone concentration were investigated in the rhesus monkey. It was found that both operations produced a rapid and profound decline in circulating progesterone levels followed by a premature onset of menstruation. Single or repeated laparotomies, however, did not alter the normal pattern of post-ovulatory plasma progesterone concentration.