THE PRESENCE OF A FUNCTIONAL CORPUS LUTEUM DURING DELAYED IMPLANTATION IN THE ARMADILLO

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Abstract
SUMMARY: The reproductive physiology of the armadillo has been studied with special emphasis on the hormonal problems related to the phenomenon of delayed implantation which occurs in this species. Ovulation occurs spontaneously in the unmated animal, and a corpus luteum is formed which is grossly indistinguishable from, and histologically similar to, the corpus luteum of pregnancy. Both this and the corpus luteum normally present during the period of delayed implantation are functional, as indicated by the increased respiratory quotient of the luteal tissue and the high progestin activity of the serum. It is tentatively suggested that the failure of the blastocyst to implant is due to lack of a proper ratio of oestrogen and progestin and not to an insufficiency of progestin alone.

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