Effect of X-ray sterilisation on œstrus in the ferret

Abstract
Since in the guinea pig but not in mouse and rat total obliteration of the Graafian follicles by exposure to x-rays has been found to suppress estrus, expts. were also done on ferrets. Complete obliteration of the follicular system was obtained by exposure of the whole body for five 80-min. periods to x-rays of the intensity used by the author on mice (1926-1927). 5 animals were completely sterilized during an-estrous. Estrous enlargement of the vulva during the next breeding season was trifling in 2 and completely absent in 3. The estrus development of the uterus, however, was complete or nearly complete in 3 of the 5. Apparently the sterilized ovary of the ferret produces enough estrin to cause the uterine changes, but not enough for the vulval swelling. Hence, in this response, the ferret behaves as do the mouse and rat.

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