Pituitary Prolactin Levels in the Common Eider Somateria m. mollissima

Abstract

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Factors Affecting Plasma Concentrations of Prolactin in the Common Eider Somateria mollissima

“…In barheaded geese (A. indicus), despite the decline in prolactin at hatching, females brooding goslings have higher prolactin levels than those that have failed in reproduction (Dittami, 1981). Gorman (1973) found a comparable result, since prolactin levels in pituitaries of female eiders present in crèche were lower than those of incubating birds, but higher than basal levels of nonbreeding females. In contrast, Schmutz et al (1982) recorded low prolactin levels of eider aunts in Hudson Bay.…”