[Morphofunctional state of hypothalamic and epiphyseal structures in relatively wild and domesticated silver foxes...

Histochemical and cytometric analyses of the hypothalamo-hypophysial neurosecretory system (HHNS), suprachiasmatic and arcuate nuclei, as well as the pineal gland in mature female silver foxes during oestrus revealed activation of peptidergic and monoaminergic neurosecretory units alongside with activation of the glial and vascular components. The increase of the secretory activity of the HHNS and pineal gland was more evident in domesticated animals. The data obtained show more intense production and excretion of neurohormones which are involved in regulation of reproduction, in domesticated foxes. These peculiarities may account for changes in the oestral cycle in domesticated animals.