Regression of Corpora Lutea in Pregnant Gilts Administered Antiovine LH Rabbit Serum

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Abstract
Treatment with antibodies to ovine LH resulted in atrophy of corpora lutea and complete loss of embryos in pregnant gilts. Exogenous progesterone prevented the loss of embryos caused by the antiserum. One milliliter antiserum daily had no significant effect on weight of corpora lutea or concentration of progesterone in gilts treated during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle, but did block ovulation in two of four gilts when injected intravenously near the onset of estrus. The data suggest that ovine LH antiserum inhibits the hormone(s) required for luteal function in the pregnant gilt. Since the antiserum was not purified, the data do not define the specific nature of luteotropin in the pig, but suggest that LH is one hormone involved in luteal function.