Suppression of oestrogen-induced LH surges by social subordination in talapoin monkeys

摘要: IT is axiomatic that the social structure of a group primates has pervasive effect on each individual's behaviour. Thus, many monkeys form dominance hierarchies, based successful outcome aggressive interactions, and more subordinate animals show characteristic behavioural traits1,2. In particular, hierarchy marked effects reproductive behaviour, especially in talapoin monkeys, where sexual interactions tend to be prerogative dominant males3. Subordinate male rhesus have limited access sexually attractive females produce fewer offspring4, few species been carefully examined, females, although apparently receiving attention, are, nevertheless, less fertile than would expected5–7. Recently, it become clear affects not only behaviour but also hormone levels. Testosterone higher males8,9, cortisol prolactin are raised animals10. We report here evidence subordination can prevent luteinising (LH) surge which normally induced by giving oestrogen female thus offering an explanation for reduced fertility suggesting this interactions.