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A benign method for maintaining ovulatory estrogen levels in cycling rhesus macaques
Author(s) -
Bercovitch Fred B.,
Goy Robert W.,
Scheffler Guenther,
Wittwer Daniel J.,
Hempel Mike
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
american journal of primatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.988
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1098-2345
pISSN - 0275-2565
DOI - 10.1002/ajp.1350130109
Subject(s) - cycling , estrous cycle , estrogen , reproductive cycle , physiology , endocrinology , biology , medicine , reproduction , ecology , history , archaeology
The goal of this study was to develop a relatively noninvasive technique for generating ovulatory estrogen levels in cycling females over extended periods of time. Eleven intact cycling rhesus macaques were given weekly injections of estradiol cypionate in an effort to obtain weekly levels which approximated ovulatory levels. A dose of 500 μg generated weekly estrogen values averaging 370 ± 18 pg/ml. This method is a satisfactory alternative to more traditional techniques. It involves no surgical procedures, it is relatively nonintrusive, it does not terminate a female's reproductive career, and it is not as time‐consuming as daily injections. Female cycle state can be altered with a minimum of manipulation for studies involving the behavior of estrous females.