CYSTIC OVARIAN CONDITION IN CATTLE .2. PATHOGENESIS AND TREATMENT

Derangements that occur during ovulation have been suggested to contri bute to the development of cystic ovarian condition in cattle. Impairm ent of the preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone is widely accepte d as a factor that leads to cystic ovarian condition; failure of estro gen to normally induce the surge of luteinizing hormone seems to contr ibute to this abnormality. Release of corticotropin and/or cortisol is also associated with cystic ovarian condition and may exert its effec ts through inhibition of the preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone . Decreased release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone from the hypotha lamus may contribute to the formation of ovarian cysts, but this defec t has not been examined. Increased levels of follicle-stimulating horm one do not seem to be associated with the condition. An insufficient n umber of luteinizing hormone receptors in the ovary may lead to the fo rmation of ovarian cysts.