EFFECTS OF SUBCUTANEOUS IMPLANTS OF PROGESTERONE ON THE INDUCTION AND DURATION OF SEXUAL RECEPTIVITY IN OVARIECTOMIZED RATS

Ovariectomized rats, pre-implanted with elastomer capsules containing oestradiol, became sexually receptive after exposure to progesterone (implanted in elastomer capsules) for 4-6 h. Implantation of progesterone capsules facilitated receptivity in oestradiol-implanted rats independently of both previous exposure to progesterone implants and the presence of progesterone at the time of implantation. The duration of sexual receptivity in ovariectomized rats implanted with oestradiol and progesterone capsules was dependent upon the length of both the oestradiol and progesterone capsules, but the decline in sexual behaviour of receptive rats was independent of the continued presence of either oestradiol or progesterone. Repeated implantation of progesterone capsules at 6 hourly intervals prevented the decline of sexual receptivity.