BLASTOCYST TRANSFER IN THE MARSUPIAL SETONIX BRACHYURUS

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Abstract
The inter-relationships of the ovaries, uterus and blastocyst in Setonix during the resumption of reproductive activity that follows lactation have been examined by transferring blastocysts of various stages of development to recipients at corresponding or different stages of the cycle. The uterus of the non-pregnant animal is fully competent to nourish a blastocyst after synchronous transfer. Quiescent blastocysts from lactating animals developed in the uteri of recipients that were at the 6th day of the cycle, but developing blastocysts failed to maintain normal development in the uteri of lactating recipients or in those at an earlier stage of the cycle than the donor. The results suggest that the luteal-phase uterus, although essential in later development, does not stimulate the blastocyst to resume development; this stimulation may come from the corpus luteum, possibly in conjunction with other secretions of the ovaries, and can be effected in the ovariectomized recipient by progesterone and oestrogen.

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