Annual changes in plasma levels of LH, and prolactin in free-living female great tits (Parus major).
Plasma levels of LH and prolactin were measured in free-living female great tits throughout the year. Plasma concentrations of LH increased at the onset of winter (January), onset of spring (March), nest-building period, (for both the first and the second clutch), last part of the incubation period, (for both the first and the second clutch), and early autumn (August). Plasma prolactin increased between March and April. A further increase occurred during the nest-building period, which continued during the early part of the egg-laying period. Prolactin levels increased further once incubation had started. During nest-building and egg-laying of the second clutch, prolactin levels were low, but not basal. Prolactin levels increased again during incubation of the second clutch. Between July and March prolactin levels usually were below the limit of detection of the assay.
Silverin
B
B
Department of Zoology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology; D012621:Seasons
D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone