Parasagittal hypothalamic knife cuts in male chicks: Advancement of reproductive function and changes in plasma concentrations of Luteinising hormone and androgen

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Abstract
1. Advancement of reproductive function occurred in male domestic chicks after lateral hypothalamic deafferentation (bilateral knife cuts extending from the preoptic to the mamillary region) at 2 weeks of age. 2. Five out of 24 chicks showed sexual precocity as shown by accelerated comb growth after surgery. 3. The 5 chicks had significantly higher concentrations of plasma luteinis‐ing hormone (LH) and androgen (A) than 5 sham‐operated controls. 4. Maximum concentrations of plasma LH and A were observed 3 and 4 weeks respectively after surgery. 5. It is concluded that in the male domestic chick gonadotropin secretion is inhibited by extrahypothalamic influences.