Effects of Light and Blinding upon Delayed Implantation in the Spotted Skunk

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Abstract
Thirty-one pregnant spotted skunks, obtained early in the prolonged period of delayed implantation, were assigned to one of four experimental groups (intact + natural photoperiod, intact + 14 hr light, blind + natural photoperiod, blind + 14 hr light). Monthly peripheral plasma levels of progesterone were determined by gas phase chromatography using electron capture detection. Date of implantation was ascertained by vulval enlargement and verified by laparotomy. Exposure to 14 hr of light significantly hastened nidation in intact females (169 vs 218 days for intact controls) but had no accelerating effect upon implantation in blind skunks. Blinding (bilateral orbital enucleation) prolonged the preimplantation period and prevented the preimplantation elevation of plasma progesterone levels. Blastocysts of some blind females remained alive and unimplanted 316 days after fertilization. The results indicate that changes in day length may be responsible for timing nidation but probably plays little or no role in initiating luteal involution and delayed implantation in this species.

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