Research Challenges in Endocrine Aspects of Canine Ovarian Cycles

Abstract

Contents: Significant deficiencies exist in understanding factors controlling the nature and timing of critical endocrine changes in canine ovarian cycles. The following merit further study: changes in steroid clearance and binding; mathematically modelling periovulatory hormone rate of change interactions; luteal gonadotropin dependence; endogenous circannual cycles underlying the ovarian cycle; importance of periovulatory follicular steroid dynamics on granulosa and oocytes; in vitro capacity of anoestrous ovarian tissue to demonstrate roles of individual gonadotropins and steroid precursors to increase oestradiol production; factors affecting secretion and activation of the canine female sex pheromone. © 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.