Fluctuations in the plasma levels of the follicle-stimulating hormone during estrous cycle, anestrus, gestation and lactation in the ewe: evidence for an endogenous rhythm of FSH release

Two experiments were carried out to analyse FSH secretion in the ewe. The first was a long-term study during which four ewes under controlled photoperiods were checked for plasma concentrations of FSH twice daily for a period of 16 months. They were successively anestrous, cycling, gestating and lactating. The results suggested that an endogenous secretion rhythm of FSH persisted throughout each of the physiological states of the ewes. The periodic cycles of FSH production lasted about 5 days during anestrus and gestation but extended to about 6 days during estrus. One of the three waves of secretion we noted during one cycle was represented by the two periovulatory surges, the first coincident with the LH peak, the second occuring 30-40 h later. Plasma levels of FSH were similar during estrous cycles and anestrus, whereas the FSH secretion decreased gradually throughoug gestation. During lactation, large differences were observed among animals before the recovery of cyclic ovarian activity. The second experiment consisted of frequent blood sampling (every ten minutes) of eight ewes for 6 hours during anestrus. FSH was secreted differently compared to LH. No pulsatile production of FSH was demonstrated and no increase in FSH levels was seen at the time of the episodic LH surge.