Effect of Neonatal Thymectomy on Ovarian Development and Plasma LH, FSH, GH and PRL in the Mouse1

Abstract
Neonatal thymectomy at 3 days of age (Tx-3) in (C57BL/6Cr × A/JCr)F1 female mice resulted in ovarian changes characterized by lymphocyte infiltration of the follicles, a decline in oocyte numbers and hypertrophy of the interstitial cell elements. These changes were associated with reduced levels of circulating LH, FSH and GH. Although there is a clear interrelationship of the thymus with the pituitary and ovary, it is not yet clear whether the relationship is only immunological or if there is an additional hormonal relationship.