Regulation of gonadotrophin secretion in rams from birth to sexual maturity

Abstract

The response of the pituitary-testicular axis to LH-RH [luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone] infusion was investigated in rams from birth to sexual maturity. During early postnatal life ram lambs were responsive to LH-RH stimulation and heightened pituitary sensitivity was observed in rams aged 2-3 mo. A change in sensitivity of the pituitary testicular axis may occur at this time and perhaps represents the time of initiation of the pubertal process.