INHIBITION OF THE PSEUDOPREGNANCY REACTION IN RABBITS WITH ESTROGENIC AND ANDROGENIC HORMONES

Abstract

Follicle rupture, which does not occur spontaneously in the rabbit, can be brought about through coitus or electrical stimulation. These stimulations cause an incretion of gonadotrophic hormone from the ant. pituitary lobe, thus bringing about secondarily ovulation, corpus luteum formation and progestational changes in the uterine mucosa (pseudopregnancy reaction). This reaction can be inhibited through estrogenic as well as androgenic hormone (minimal doses, 0.5 mg. estradiolbenzoate and 10 rag. testosterone propionate). The pseudopregnancy reaction can be induced electrically during the mos. of Jan. to June, thus being definitely dependent upon seasons. The reaction through coitus, also a sterile one, can, however, take place at any time during the yr. A factor yet unknown, apparently exists, responsible for a positive result with coitus and a negative result with electric stimulation.