Further studies on the neurogenic control of the estrous cycle by uterine distention.

Abstract

THE mechanism by which the corpus luteum is caused to persist following fertilization in mammals which ovulate spontaneously during each reproductive cycle and which do not show pseudopregnancy following cervical stimulation is not known. The effects of uterine distention and the apparent importance of the uterine afferent nerve supply on the regulation of the estrous cycle of the ewe have been observed by Moore and Nalbandov (1953). They have shown that a foreign body introduced into the sheep uterus during the early luteal phase of the estrous cycle causes a marked decrease in the mean length of the estrous cycle. This phenomenon is dependent upon the nerve supply to the distended area of the uterine horn. Similarly Huston and Nalbandov (1953) and van Tienhoven (1953) have shown that oviducal stimulation may alter the qualitative and quantitative gondadotrophin secretion in the chicken.