A. Marchlewskakoj et al., SUPPRESSION OF ESTRUS IN FEMALE MICE BY THE PRESENCE OF CONSPECIFICS OR BY FOOT SHOCK, Physiology & behavior, 55(2), 1994, pp. 317-321
The reaction of reproductive system of outbred female mice to crowded
conditions or electric foot shock was investigated. Both experimental
factors inhibited estrous cycle, and decidual cell reaction (DCR) was
observed after traumatization of uterine horns in tested animals. Furt
her investigations showed that corpora lutea in females subjected to s
ocial stress were significantly larger than those in mice stressed by
classical stressor. Also, plasma progesterone level increased only in
females exposed to grouped females. These results indicate that social
interaction among female mice lead to the development of typical pseu
dopregnancy, whereas inhibition of ovulation and DCR in females subjec
ted to electric foot shock are not related to the increase of activity
of corpora lutea.