Document Detail


Evidence for "memory" of cervical stimulation for the promotion of pregnancy in rats.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  2328968     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Successful pregnancy in the female rat depends upon two sets of physiological events: (1) transport of gametes (sperm and egg) through the reproductive tract so that fertilization can be effected and (2) establishment of an appropriate hormonal environment (progestational state) so that the fertilized egg can implant in the uterus and be maintained during subsequent gestation. This study highlights the independence of the mechanisms controlling the gametic and hormonal aspects of pregnancy by temporally separating the introduction of sperm into the female from the stimulation that triggers the progestational hormonal response. The progestational state was initiated by electrical stimulation of the cervix, and sperm was introduced directly into the uterus by artificial insemination. Although these two events were separated by up to 3 days, pregnancy could ensue. Cervical stimulation, normally a consequence of male intromission behavior, establishes a condition in the central nervous system, a "memory" that signals the probable induction of pregnancy. Without this "memory," animals with a short estrous cycle would continue to cycle after mating, thereby producing a hormonal environment incompatible with implantation. The "memory" is manifested by daily surges of prolactin irrespective of fertilization. This is the first physiological demonstration that a "memory" of cervical stimulation can be called upon to support a viable pregnancy.
Authors:
J Terkel; J A Witcher; N T Adler
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Hormones and behavior     Volume:  24     ISSN:  0018-506X     ISO Abbreviation:  Horm Behav     Publication Date:  1990 Mar 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  1990-05-31     Completed Date:  1990-05-31     Revised Date:  2007-11-14    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0217764     Medline TA:  Horm Behav     Country:  UNITED STATES    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  40-9     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Cervix Uteri / physiology
Copulation / physiology*
Estrus / physiology
Female
Fertilization / physiology*
Ovulation / physiology
Pregnancy
Pregnancy, Animal / physiology*
Progesterone / physiology*
Prolactin / blood
Rats
Rats, Inbred Strains
Grant Support
ID/Acronym/Agency:
HD04522/HD/NICHD NIH HHS; RR07083-21/RR/NCRR NIH HHS
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
57-83-0/Progesterone; 9002-62-4/Prolactin

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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