Effects of grouping and fighting on the reproductive tracts of male white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) |
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Authors: | James A Sullivan Patrick F Scanlon |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 24061 Blacksburg, Virginia, USA |
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Abstract: | Summary Adult, male white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) were subjected to a variety of social situations ranging from isolation during the 20 day experimental period to constant
contact with both females and other adult males. Contacts included grouping (three or four males per cage) and exposure to
fighters (once daily for 20 minutes). The following measurements were recorded: weights of the body, testes, epididymides,
vesicular glands, vesicular gland tissue (wet and dry), seminal fluid of the vesicular gland, adrenal glands, and baculum;
spermatozoan reserves of the testes and epididymides. Grouping significantly affected both the weight and spermatozoan reserves
of the testes and epididymides, as well as both the tissue and seminal fluid weight of the vesicular glands. The results suggested
a graded effect of all treatments on the reproductive tract. In order of magnitude of the associated response, from none to
greatest, the treatments may be ranked as follows: pairing with females, isolating, handling, fighting, and grouping. All
reproductive parameters measured showed this general ranking, suggesting that the response to the various treatments was similar
and differed only quantitatively. The results further suggested decreased secretion of LH and testosterone, although measurements
of testosterone did not substantiate this conclusion. The lack of significant effects of grouping on adrenal gland weights
strengthened the argument that adrenal involvement is not a necessary adjunct to the suppression of the reproductive tract
in groupedPeromyscus, but the adrenal may be involved if contacts between males result in overt fighting. |
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Keywords: | Reproductive Tract House Mouse Adrenal Weight Gland Weight Peromyscus Leucopus |
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