Effects of Hysterectomy on Luteal Function in the Western Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius latifrons)

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Abstract
Fifteen pregnant spotted skunks were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (Group I) intact controls; (Group II) hysterectomied during the prolonged preimplantation period and (Group III) hysterectomized within 1-4 days after nidation. Blood samples were obtained at various intervals after hysterectomy and assayed for progesterone by radioimmunoassay to determine the effects of hysterectomy on luteal function. Hysterectomy had no significant effect on luteal function and presumably luteal maintenance, as indicated by changes in plasma progesterone levels. These results indicate that neither embryos nor placentae were an essential source of luteotropin and that the uterus played no significant role in regulating the life span of the corpora lutea of pregnancy in the spotted skunk.