Blockade of Gonadotrophin Release for Ovulation in the Hen following Stimulation with Stainless Steel Electrodes

Abstract

Bilateral stimulation with bipolar stainless steel electrodes was applied for 10 minutes in a selected region of the median eminence of the hen, 14 hours before expected normal ovulation of the C1 follicle. In 28 of 52 hens, ovulation was delayed by 3 to 10 hours or more. The delays in ovulation were shown to arise out of delays in or blockade of the release of ovulation-inducing hormone (OIH). The effects of stimulation on delay of OIH release may extend over a period of 12 to 14 hours. Stimulation with platinum electrodes or placement of steel or platinum electrodes without passage of current failed to delay OIH release. The prolonged effects of stimulation with stainless steel electrodes are consistent with the conclusion of Everett and Radford that electrolytically deposited iron may act irritatively long after application of the stimulatory current.