THE EFFECT OF LIGHT ON MATURATION AND THE ESTROUS CYCLE OF THE COTTON RAT, SIGMODON HISPIDUS HISPIDUS1

Abstract
Exposure to constant illumination of an intensity averaging approx. 30 foot-candles from birth had little effect on the development of the reproductive tract and maturation of the immature cotton rat, while exposure to constant darkness had a retarding effect. There was no significant difference between the avg. lengths of vaginal estrus or diestrus of adult [male] cotton rats kept in light and of those kept in darkness. Environmental disturbance affected the estrous cycle of the cotton rat, principally by causing a lengthened period of vaginal estrus.

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