Photoperiod and reproduction in female deer mice

Journal Article · Mon Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Biol. Reprod.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod26.2.296· OSTI ID:7090415

Whitsett, J M; Miller, L L

Female deer mice were exposed to a short day photoperiod beginning during 1 of 3 stages of life. In the first experiment, exposure to SD during adulthood resulted in a minimal disruption of reproductive condition; many females bore 2 litters after the onset of this treatment. In the second experiment, females reared on SD from weaning matured normally, as measured by vaginal introitus; however, vaginal closure occurred in approximately one-half of these females by 9 weeks of age. In the third experiment, females were born of mothers housed on either an SD or a long day photoperiod, and were continued on the maternal photoperiod until 6 weeks of postnatal age. The SD photoperiod markedly inhibited reproductive maturation as measured by vaginal patency, ovarian weight, and uterine weight. A comparison of reproductive organ weights and vaginal condition provided evidence for the validity of the latter measure as an index of reproductive state. As assayed by the present testing procedure, the sensitivity of the reproductive system to photoperiod decreases as a function of age in female deer mice.

• Research Organization: Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh
• OSTI ID: 7090415
• Journal Information: Biol. Reprod.; (United States), Journal Name: Biol. Reprod.; (United States) Vol. 26:2; ISSN BIREB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550100* -- Behavioral Biology
551000 -- Physiological Systems
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ANIMALS
BEHAVIOR
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DAILY VARIATIONS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FEMALE GENITALS
FEMALES
FERTILITY
GONADS
MAMMALS
MICE
ORGANS
OVARIES
PHOTOPERIOD
PHYSIOLOGY
RADIATIONS
REPRODUCTION
RODENTS
VARIATIONS
VERTEBRATES
VISIBLE RADIATION