A reevaluation of the refractory period following the estrogen-induced luteinizing hormone surge in the rhesus monkey.
A refractory period of 6-8 days following the estrogen-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in the rhesus monkey has been reported, the estrogen having been applied as injections of estradiol benzoate. This was reinvestigated using Silastic capsules filled with estradiol-17-beta. Mature intact female rhesus monkeys were given two successive exposures to estrogen, each of 48 h duration. In one experiment the second exposure started 4 days after the capsules were first implanted (2 days after removal), in the second experiment, 3 days after implantation (1 day after removal). LH surges were seen in response to both estrogen treatments in both experiments. The results suggests that a period of exposure to relatively low estrogen levels is required before a second LH surge can be elicited. This period of time can be as short as 24 h.
D000818:Animals; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D013997:Time Factors
D004967:Estrogens; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone