Studies on the nature of reproductive inhibition in animals from laboratory populations of prairie deermice ( Peromyscus maniculatus bairdi): Serum LH and FSH concentrations

Abstract

Serum LH and FSH concentrations and gonadal condition in deermice maintained in laboratory populations or as pairs were determined: 1. 1. Animals taken from populations had significantly smaller body, gonad and sexual accessory weights when compared with controls. 2. 2. Histological evaluation of the gonads revealed significantly fewer spermatids in the testes and significantly fewer Type 8 follicles and corpora lutea in ovaries from population animals compared with controls. 3. 3. Serum LH concentrations were not significantly different among males, but were significantly lower in population females compared with their controls. 4. 4. Serum FSH concentrations were significantly higher in population males and population females compared with their controls.