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Hypothalamic regulation of gonadotropin release in female Japanese quail

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Summary

The control mechanisms of the hypothalamo-hypophysio-ovarian axis were investigated in breeding Japanese quail by means of electrolytic or radiofrequency lesions in various regions of the hypothalamus. Depending on the site of damage to the hypothalamus, two forms of ovarian dysfunction were observed. Lesions in anterior regions of the infundibular nuclear complex or in the anterior division of the median eminence resulted in regression of the ovary and oviduct; all follicles of the ovaries of these birds measured less than 3 mm in diameter. These conditions are interpreted as indicative of cessation of the release of folliclestimulating hormone from the adenohypophysis. Lesions in medial, ventral and posterior regions of the infundibular nuclear complex or in the preoptic region of the hypothalamus resulted in cessation of ovulation, but did not cause complete regression of the ovary and oviduct. In these birds the ovaries and oviducts were reduced somewhat in weight, but the ovarian follicles remained large and laden with yolk. This condition is thought to result from the cessation of the release of luteinizing hormone from the adenohypophysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

    Milton H. Stetson

  2. Department of Zoology, University of Texas, 78712, Austin, Texas, USA

    Milton H. Stetson

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  1. Milton H. Stetson
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This investigation was supported by NIH Predoctoral Fellowship GM-33,458 to the author, and by Research Grants from NIH (NB-06187) and NSF (GB-11905) to Professor Donald S. Farner. This paper is based on a thesis (Stetson, 1971) submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology at the University of Washington. The hormones used in this investigation were generously supplied by the Endocrine Study Section of the National Institutes of Health.

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Stetson, M.H. Hypothalamic regulation of gonadotropin release in female Japanese quail. Z.Zellforsch 130, 411–428 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00306952

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