The Role of Prostaglandin F 2alpha and Oxytocin in the Reproductive Behavior of a Marsupial, Bettongia gaimardi

Author: Rose R.W.   Macfadyen A.S.  

Publisher: Academic Press

ISSN: 0018-506X

Source: Hormones and Behavior, Vol.31, Iss.2, 1997-04, pp. : 120-125

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Abstract

Bettongs give birth on the night that their large pouch young finally vacates the pouch. We have hypothesized that hormones associated with this birth are also involved in pouch vacation. Injections of prostaglandin F 2alpha (PGF 2alpha ) caused contractions of the pouch. In a separate experiment PGF 2alpha caused pouch vacation; oxytocin had a similar effect but with a longer latency. In addition both hormones induced birth behavior in adult and immature females as well as in males. When a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor (Finadyne) was given first, oxytocin failed to produce birth behavior or pouch vacation. This finding leads us to suggest that oxytocin exerts its behavioral effects via prostaglandin synthesis. These experiments are the first to demonstrate an effect by oxytocin on reproductive behavior in a marsupial.