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Effects of bromocriptine on lactation and plasma progesterone in Bettongia gaimardi, a Tasmanian macropodid marsupial

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 10:21 authored by Rose, RW, Susan JonesSusan Jones, Macfadyen, AS
Many macropodids exhibit lactational quiescence during which an embryo produced at post-partum mating is retained as a blastocyst in utero while a pouch young is sucking. The sucking stimulus maintains secretion of prolactin which may in some species inhibit the activity of the corpus luteum and, hence, the development of the embryo. When the sucking frequency decreases, the blastocyst resumes development. In the present study, the dopamine agonist bromocriptine, which in many mammals results in decreased secretion of prolactin from the pituitary gland, was administered to the Tasmanian bettong (Bettongia gaimardi) at two different doses (12.5 mg kg-1 and 5 mg kg-1). Although lactation was affected by both doses, as evidenced by slower growth of the pouch young or their loss, in only two cases did the quiescent blastocyst activate at the time of injection. This occurred with the highest dose of bromocriptine and was reflected by earlier changes in plasma progesterone concentrations. It is concluded that the Tasmanian bettong is unusual in its lack of sensitivity to bromocriptine.

History

Publication title

Reproduction, Fertility and Development

Volume

8

Issue

7

Pagination

1061-1067

ISSN

1031-3613

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

CSIRO Publishing

Place of publication

Melbourne, Australia

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences

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    University Of Tasmania

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