A surge-like increase in luteinizing hormone preceding musth in a captive bull African elephant (Loxodonta africana).
نویسندگان
چکیده
This study was conducted to determine the correlation between reproductive hormones and musth in a male African elephant. Changes in circulating luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone and immunoreactive (ir-) inhibin and the degree of musth were evaluated for 4 years. LH increased 4 weeks before musth began. The highest concentrations of testosterone and ir-inhibin were observed from April to October. There were positive correlations among testosterone, ir-inhibin and musth behavior. These findings suggested that the surge-like LH in the pre-musth period might stimulate secretion of testosterone and ir-inhibin and thus initiate the musth behavior. This study also suggested that the high LH level before musth might be a useful biomarker for the beginning of the musth season.
منابع مشابه
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ورودعنوان ژورنال:
- The Journal of veterinary medical science
دوره 73 3 شماره
صفحات -
تاریخ انتشار 2011