Serum Gonadotropins Associated with Puberty in the Female Syrian Hamster1

Abstract

Serum gonadotropins were measured in immature female hamsters between 20 and 26 days of age. Serum LH concentrations remained fairly constant at a level slightly above the normal adult baseline. In contrast to LH, serum FSH between Days 20 and 25 was considerably higher than basal levels found in the adult. The FSH concentrations attained on Days 21 and 22 were comparable to those reported for the adult during the ovulatory and estrous surges. The relationship of the gonadotropin levels to the appearance of the first spontaneous ovulation is discussed.