Abstract
Heparinized blood samples were obtained through an indwelling catheter in the central ear artery from sexually mature female New Zealand white rabbits after copulation. Immediately after 1 or 2 matings the female was transferred to a restraining cage; blood samples were taken at intervals while the animal was completely immobilized for 3-5 h or was only immobilized for blood withdrawal. Ovulation was detected by the presence of corpora lutea at laparotomy the following day. Plasma was analyzed for LH [luteinizing hormone] by established radioimmunoassay procedures. Immobilization did not inhibit ovulation or the pre-ovulatory surge of LH in either group. These data suggest that immobilization cannot inhibit the reflex release of LH in the female rabbit.

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