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Combating sterility with hormones

Cornell University

Abstract

Reproduction in the female is a complex phenomenon which requires complete co-ordination of the functions of many organs both in intensity and in time. These co-ordinations are largely under the control of hormones. Of these, pituitary hormones determine the age of breeding and the orderly sequence of ovulations by regulating ovarian function. Ovulation must be succeeded by corpus luteum formation, also under pituitary control, to provide facilities for implantation and nourishment for the developing embryo.

Ovarian hormones are necessary for the adequate growth of the accessory genitalia. The preparation of the vaginal epithelium as a prelude to copulation is one factor in the chain of events. They also cause the melting of the uterine seal at estrus and its replacement afterwards. Preparation of the oviducts for the transport of ova and also the preparation of uterine mucosa for their reception are due to ovarian hormones.

The inter-relationships are so complex that many things, such as environment, feeding, level of production and heredity, as well as specific diseases and nonspecific infections may modify some phase of the cycle so that complete reproduction may fail.