Inhibition of ovarian function in subordinate female marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus jacchus)

Abstract

Summary. Plasma

Social suppression of cortisol in female marmosets: Role of luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin

“…The results indicate that CG stimulates cyclical elevations in endogenous cortisol concentrations, but that this eVect is small in magnitude and is dependent upon, and may be mediated by, ovarian hormones. Thus, our results suggest that social suppression of CG may not play a major role in mediating chronic reductions of basal cortisol concentrations in anovulatory, subordinate female marmosets, which exhibit low, acyclic concentrations of estrogen and progesterone (Abbott et al, 1981(Abbott et al, , 1988Saltzman et al, 1998).…”

Reproductive skew in female common marmosets: what can proximate mechanisms tell us about ultimate causes?

“…Pituitary secretion of LH (or CG) is generally assumed to passively reflect hypothalamic secretion of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH); however, the pulsatile release of GnRH does not differ between dominant female marmosets in the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle and anovulatory subordinates Abbott et al 1997 Abbott 1999, unpublished data). These findings suggest that hypothalamic GnRH and pituitary CG secretion can become dissociated in this species by an unknown mechanism, possibly involving blunted pituitary sensitivity to GnRH and to positive feedback effects of oestradiol (Abbott et al 1981(Abbott et al , 1988). …”

Different ovarian responses to potential mates underlie species-specific breeding strategies in common marmoset and Goeldi's monkey

“…However, there is one callitrichid, Goeldi's monkey (Callimico goeldii), which gives birth to a singleton instead of twins (Martin, 1992) and exhibits delayed and low levels of paternal care (Heltne et al, 1973;Jurke and Pryce, 1994;Schradin and Anzenberger, 2001). In the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), in captive social groups of more than one adult female, the socially subordinate females are typically acyclic with low ovarian endocrine activity consistent with infertility (Abbott et al, 1981). In captive extended families with adult daughters, about 50% of these daughters are acyclic (Saltzman et al, 1997a, b, c).…”