Estradiol and Progesterone Profiles Indicate a Lack of Endocrine Recognition of Pregnancy in the Opossum

Concentrations of estradiol and progesterone in blood collected during the 12.5-day gestation period of the Virginia opossum were not significantly different from those during equivalent days of the estrous cycle. Progesterone was correlated with an index of corpora luteal mass. Ratios of estradiol...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 1981-06, Vol.212 (4501), p.1400-1402
Main Authors: Harder, John D., Fleming, Michael W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anatomy
Animals
Corpus Luteum - physiology
Estradiol - blood
Estrus
Estrus cycle
Female
Gestation period
Luteal phase
Mammals
Marsupialia
Marsupials
Opossums
Opossums - physiology
Parturition
Photons
Pregnancy
Pregnancy, Animal
Progesterone - blood
Reproduction
Reproduction (Biology)
Species Specificity
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Description
Summary:Concentrations of estradiol and progesterone in blood collected during the 12.5-day gestation period of the Virginia opossum were not significantly different from those during equivalent days of the estrous cycle. Progesterone was correlated with an index of corpora luteal mass. Ratios of estradiol to progesterone were highest 3 to 4 days before estrus and on the day of parturition.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.7233228