Serum Testosterone Levels during the Menstrual Cycle and Early Pregnancy in the Bonnet Monkey (Macaca Radiata)

Abstract

Serum testosterone concentrations have been determined during the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy in the bonnet monkey, Macace rediata. During the cycle, there is an increase around the time of ovulation and a secondary peak in the late luteal phase. In pregnancy, there is a distinct peak around 23-25 days, a period which corresponds to the peak of chorionic gonadotrophin reported by Atkinson et al.(1975) in Rhesus monkeys. Administration of exogenous hCG causes a significant rise in the serum testosterone level in cycling monkeys.