Effects of oxytocin and an oxytocin antagonist on testosterone secretion during the oestrous cycle of the goat (Capra hircus) |
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| Authors: | A M Homeida A E Khalafalla |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Khartoum, Sudan. |
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| Abstract: | Oxytocin at a dose of 100 i.u. injected subcutaneously (s.c.) daily to goats between Days 3 and 6 of the oestrous cycle caused a significant increase in testosterone secretion compared with saline-treated animals. An oxytocin antagonist (0.2 micrograms/kg) injected intra-arterially between Days 12 and 18 of the oestrous cycle or simultaneously with oxytocin between Days 3 and 6 blocked the increased release of testosterone and occurrence of oestrus. It is suggested that oxytocin-induced oestrus may occur via testosterone secretion. |
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