Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents
07:30

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents

Published on: June 10, 2013

Changes in concentration of serum prolactin during social and reproductive development of the spotted hyaena (Crocuta

A S van Jaarsveld1, A A McKenzie, J D Skinner

  • 1Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Journal of Reproduction and Fertility
|August 1, 1992
PubMed

A homologous radioimmunoassay system developed for humans was used to measure prolactin concentrations in spotted hyaenas. Concentrations of prolactin showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in lactating females, which is consistent with the infrequent suckling pattern of this species. This lack of hyperprolactinaemic conditions during lactation may explain the ability of females to resume reproductive activity soon after the loss of a litter, or even during lactation. Prolactin concentrations did not increase significantly during dispersion in male spotted hyaenas. This conforms to the pattern observed for cortisol, but differs from that for androgen, which fluctuates significantly with social suppression. Although comparative data from other species provide some circumstantial evidence for hyperprolactinaemic conditions during male dispersal, no obvious deductions regarding the recorded inverse relationship between prolactin and cortisol concentrations in mature males could be made.

More Related Videos

A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome08:20

A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Published on: October 2, 2018

Limited Bedding and Nesting as a Model for Early-Life Adversity in Mice04:20

Limited Bedding and Nesting as a Model for Early-Life Adversity in Mice

Published on: July 12, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Hormones of the Pituitary Gland01:27

Hormones of the Pituitary Gland

The small, pea-sized pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It is crucial in regulating various bodily functions, from growth to reproduction. The gland is divided into the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The secretory cell clusters in the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary lobe are controlled by hypothalamic regulators and synthesize six primary hormones.
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
Testosterone: Functions and Regulation01:26

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...