Estrous Cycle

Topic 3096 C

Amanda Trutsch

Estrus

The period of mating activity in the female mammal

Same as heat

Estrous

An adjective meaning “heat”, which modifies such words as cycle

Estrous cycle is the heat cycle, or time from one heat to the next

Hormones involved

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)Source: HypothalamusTarget: Anterior pituitaryFunction: Release LH and FSH

Luteinizing hormone (LH)Source: Anterior pituitaryTarget: OvaryFunctions: Ovulation, CL formation,

Progesterone production

Hormones involved, cont.

Hormones involved, cont.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)Source: Anterior pituitaryTarget: OvaryFunction: Development of follicle

Hormones involved, cont.

EstrogenSource: FollicleTarget: UterusFunction: Mating behavior

Hormones involved, cont.

ProgesteroneSource: Corpus luteumTarget: UterusFunction: Maintains pregnancy

Hormones involved, cont.

Prostaglandin (PGF2a)Source: UterusTarget: Corpus luteumFunction: Regression of CL

Estrous Cycle

http://www.equine-reproduction.com/articles/images/Hormones.gif