Figure 3
Determination of luteal function after LH/P 4 depletion and P 4 replacement treatments in the monkey. A) Circulating P4 levels before and after LH/P4 depletion [post CET administration (150 μg/kg BW) indicated by arrow; n = 3 animals] on day 7 of the luteal phase. P4 levels are represented only up to 72 h for purposes of comparing the levels with P4 replacement experiment [see panel C below]. Panel B depicts experimental protocol for VEH (5.25% glucose), LH/P4 depletion [CET (150 μg/kg BW)] and P4 replacement (CET+P4). The duration of P4 treatment initiated 24 h post LH/P4 depletion (n = 3 animals) in the form of P4 filled ALZET pumps is indicated by 'in' and 'out' words and arrows. The retrieval of CL after treatments is indicated by asterisk. C) Effects of VEH treatment (n = 3 animals), LH/P4 depletion (CET) (n = 3 animals) and [CET+P4 (n = 3 animals)] on circulating serum P4 levels. Data are presented as mean ± SEM. Before initiation of treatments, P4 values for each time point were pooled and represented as shaded bars (bars with dotted lines represent P4 concentrations after vehicle treatment). Following LH/P4 depletion and P4 replacement, P4 values are shown as open bars and solid bars, respectively. Serum P4 levels at 12 and 24 h after P4 implant withdrawal and CL removal are shown as open bars. Bars with different letters are significantly (P < 0.05) different.