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Interrelationships among plasma progesterone concentrations, luteal anatomy and function, and placental ontogeny during gestation in a viviparous lizard (Niveoscincus metallicus: Scincidae)

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posted on 2023-05-16, 13:39 authored by Ellen BennettEllen Bennett, Susan JonesSusan Jones
Plasma progesterone concentrations were measured at six stages of gestation in the viviparous lizard Niveoscincus metallicus. Anatomical and functional parameters of luteal activity were also investigated. The diameter of the corpus luteum (CL) decreased gradually though gestation, as did the diameter of the luteal cells. Major degenerative changes were observed in CLs post-partum. Plasma progesterone concentrations were basal both prior to, and just after, ovulation; a rapid increase occurred in early gestation. Plasma progesterone concentrations remained elevated until late gestation, but fell some 2 weeks before parturition. In vitro production of progesterone was greater in CLs in mid- than in late-gestation, and the addition of prostaglandin F to the incubation medium had no effect on progesterone production. Non-luteal ovarian tissue and adrenals produced progesterone, but at approximately one-tenth the rate of production by CLs. Temporal correlations between the plasma progesterone profile and stages of placental development were also assessed. The rise in plasma progesterone concentrations occurs before differentiation of the chorioallantoic placenta, but progesterone is still high when it degenerates. We conclude that the CLs are the major source of gestational progesterone in N. metallicus.

History

Publication title

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A - Molecular and Integrative Physiology

Volume

131

Pagination

647-656

ISSN

1095-6433

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Elsevier Science Inc

Place of publication

USA

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences

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