Hormonal pattern in the estrous cycle of female albino rats and its correlation to organ weight changes

ABSTRACT

Intact 5 day cycling rats were killed between 8-10 a.m. each day of the estrous cycle. Plasma concentration of estradiol, progersteron, FSH and LH were determined by RIA method. Pituitary gland, ovaries and both uterine horn weight were recorded. Estradiol levels were lowest at estrous and rose steadily to peak on the afternoon of proestrous progesteron was high during the first day of diestrous and also showed a large peak on the afternoon of proestrous, at which time both pituitary hormones were elevated [follicle stimulating hormone FSH and luteitising hormone LH]. Organs weight were highest in both proestrous and estrous phases which correlates with the hormonal pattern