HYSTERECTOMY OF THE NEWBORN GUINEA-PIG, SUBSEQUENT EFFECTS ON THE OESTROUS CYCLE AND LIFE SPAN OF THE CORPORA LUTEA

The effects of neonatal hysterectomy on the estrous cycle and life-span of the corpus luteum were studied in guinea pigs. Neonatal hysterectomy resulted in longer estrous cycles than in animals hysterectomized during adult life. The onset of vaginal opening was prolonged for as long as 55 days after section and cauterization of the utero-vaginal junction. The estrous cycle was not lengthened by destruction of the mesometrium. Uterine autographs in neonatally hysterectomized animals did not counter the effect of hysterectomy on the length of the estrous cycle. The results suggest a possible neural factor in the control of the luteolytic process.