Prolactin: The Hypophyseal Factor That Terminates Embryonic Diapause in Mink

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Abstract
The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether prolactin (PRL) is the factor that activates the quiescent corpus luteum (CL) and terminates the delay that precedes implantation in mink. Animals were hypophysectomized or sham-hypophysectomized 6 days after the second of two matings. Eight hypophysectomized mink received 0.5 mg ovine PRL (NIH-P-S13) daily through Days 21-24 of the experiment (Day 0 = day of surgery). Five sham-hypophysectomized and one hypophysectomized animal received no hormone therapy after surgery. All animals were bled at 3 day intervals until termination by exsanguination between Days 21 and 24. Uteri were observed by means of midventral laparotomy between Days 14 and 16.