Pituitary—Gonadal Axis Before Puberty: Evaluation of Testicular Steroids in the Male Rat12

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Abstract
Fertile pairs of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) were observed for further reproduction when they were water-deprived (lettuce supplied once a week) or when water was provided daily. Water deprivation produced no long-term effects on body weight, but it completely stopped reproduction when both members of a pair or when only the female was deprived. Reproduction continued if only the male was water-deprived, although water deprivation reduced testis, seminal vesicle and ventral scent gland size. Water-deprived gerbil pairs recovered reproductive function when water was provided again. The findings suggest that seasonal variations in water consumption may regulate seasonal breeding patterns in wild gerbil populations and that access to a limited supply of water may also be related to territoriality in this species.

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