[Variations in the plasma concentration of prolactin, LH and FSH and in testicular activity during the first year of life in the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.)].

Plasma prolactin, LH, FSH, testosterone patterns, and spermatogenic activity were determined during the first year of life in roe deer. A high gonadotrophic activity was observed a few months after birth, in autumn, along with an increase of testis volume and spermatogenic activity. Some spermatozoa could be seen in seminiferous tubules in December.

An endocrine and histophysiological study of the testicular annual cycle in the hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus L.).

The histophysiology of the testis was studied all year round in adult male hedgehogs living in middle-western France. Variations in Leydig and Sertoli cell populations were correlated to plasma testosterone levels and compared to variations in seminiferous tubule diameter and germ cell production. During the last part of the hibernating period, in winter, Leydig cell parameters and plasma testosterone levels increased and reached maximum values in February, 1 month before the maximum development of seminiferous epithelium.

The reproductive cycle in the male hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus L.): a study of endocrine and exocrine testicular functions.

Seasonal changes in testicular and accessory gland weights, histological testicular structures, fructose and citric acid concentrations in two accessory glands and plasma testosterone levels were determined in adult male hedgehogs living in middle western France. Testicular activity started in winter (from December to February) during the last part of the hibernation period. During this resumption period, testis weights as well as all the testicular structural features (Leydig cell volume; length, diameter and volume of seminiterous tubules) increased.

[Electromyographic study of uterine activity in the castrated red fox (Vulpes vulpes L.) treated with oestradiol and progesterone (author's transl)].

Effect of oestradiol and progesterone on the electromyographic activity (EMG) of the uterus is studied in 6 groups of 2 previously castrated vixens (A, B, C, D, E, F). The animals of gropu A are treated daily with intramuscular injections of oestradiol benzoate alone or oestradiol and progesterone together. These hormones are also given to the group F, oestradiol by a subcutaneous tablet and progesterone intramuscularly.

Oestrogen and progesterone concentrations in peripheral blood in pregnant red foxes (Vulpes vulpes).

Oestrogen levels were low during most of gestation, but there was a significant increase (P less than 0.05) in oestradiol concentrations at implantation. Early pregnancy was characterized by high levels of progesterone which decreased significantly (P less than 0.