Hibernation in the Female Turkish Hamster (Mesocricetus brandti): An Investigation of the Role of the Ovaries and of Photoperiod1

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The possible role of the ovaries in hibernation was examined by comparing patterns of hibernation in intact and ovariectomized Turkish hamsters (M. brandti). Ovariectomy had little, if any, effect on hibernation in these studies. Females which were anovulatory prior to cold exposure entered hibernation more rapidly as compared to cycling females. Most females (both intact and ovariectomized) maintained in short days returned to a 2nd phase of hibernation several months after terminating the initial phase; most females housed in long days failed to show a 2nd phase of hibernation. The effects of day length may be more important than the effects of ovarian hormones in regulating hibernation in the female Turkish hamster.