Luteal function in the bitch: changes during diestrus in pituitary concentration of and the number of luteal receptors for luteinizing hormone and prolactin.

The concentration of unoccupied luteal receptors for luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin, and the concentration of these two hormones in the pituitary was determined in 11 groups of bitches (n = 3 or 4/group) representing stages from proestrus through Day 80 of diestrus. Despite dramatic changes in serum concentrations of progesterone, the concentration of luteal receptors for LH and prolactin was quite constant throughout the entire luteal phase. In association with the ovulatory surge of LH, pituitary concentration of LH decreased abruptly from proestrus to Day 2 of diestrus, and was then gradually replenished during the remainder of diestrus. The concentration of prolactin in the pituitary did not vary significantly from proestrus through late diestrus.