Circadian and circannual rhythms of LH, FSH, testosterone (T), prolactin, cortisol, T3 and T4 in plasma of mature, male white-tailed deer

G. A. Bubenik, A. B. Bubenik, D. Schams, J. F. Leatherland

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

1. 1. Circadian and circannual rhythm of plasma LH, FSH, testosterone (T), prolactin, cortisol, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were investigated in two mature male white-tailed deer. 2. 2. No circadian rhythms were detected. 3. 3. Seasonal levels of LH and FSH were reached in September and October; troughs occur in May and June. 4. 4. Maximal T values were detected in November and December (the time of the rut); minimal levels occur between February and July. 5. 5. Prolactin peaked in May and June; minimal levels were detected between October and February. 6. 6. T3 exhibited two maxima; the first in the May-June period, the second in the September-October period. T4 showed no recognizable circannual rhythm. 7. 7. Cortisol levels were found to be much higher during cold months (December-April) than during the rest of the year. 8. 8. The least variable circadian levels were that of FSH and prolactin, with LH, T4, T3, cortisol and testosterone following in descending order. 9. 9. Cannulation stress might have some effect on the levels of testosterone, LH and cortisol. 10. 10. Correlation between LH and testosterone levels were detected mainly during sexually active periods.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)37-45
Number of pages9
JournalComparative Biochemistry and Physiology -- Part A: Physiology
Volume76
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1983

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Circadian and circannual rhythms of LH, FSH, testosterone (T), prolactin, cortisol, T3 and T4 in plasma of mature, male white-tailed deer'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this