Evidence for the non-involvement of the uterus in the lifespan of the corpus luteum in the cyclic dog.

Progesterone levels in peripheral blood of dogs were analysed during the cycle in which hysterectomy (n = 5) or sham surgery (n = 3) was performed as well as during the cycle of dogs (n = 5) hysterectomized at least one year prior to this study; the data were compared with the findings in control dogs (n = 3). The averages of the duration of the luteal period observed in the three experimental groups were not significantly different from those of control dogs. Immediately after surgery, the progesterone level decreased from 25 to 50% of the presurgical level, but returned to presurgical level in about four days. Prolactin levels were elevated for about 30 h after surgery. Nevertheless, the averages of the mean prolactin levels for each animal during the luteal period of the experimental groups were not significantly different from those of control dogs. It is concluded that in the dog, the uterus is not involved in the lifespan of the cyclic corpus luteum.