MENSTRUAL-CYCLE CHARACTERIZATION AND ARTIFICIAL-INSEMINATION IN THE BLACK MANGABEY (CERCOCEBUS-ATERRIMUS)

Concentrations of immunoreactive estrone conjugates, pregnanediol‐3‐glucuronide, and luteinizing hormone were measured and indexed to creatinine in daily urine samples from three female black mangabeys (Cercocebus aterrimus). Daily observations of menstruation and perineal tumescence were recorded. The mean ± SEM lengths of the menstrual cycle [apparent cycle length of 26.0 ± 0.8 days determined by observation of intermenstrual intervals (n = 26); physiologic cycle length of 31.3 ± 5 days determined by urinary endocrine analysis (n = 4)], follicular phase [16.5 ± 4 days (n = 4)], and luteal phase [14.8 ± 1 day (n = 4)] were determined. The apparent cycle length is probably more accurate. Perineal tumescence began during or shortly after menstruation, increased concomitantly with increasing follicular phase conjugated estrone values, and reached maximal size in the periovulatory period. Ovulation was closely followed by a drop in conjugated estrone levels, an increase in urinary pregnanediol‐3‐glucuronide, and perineal detumescence. Peak concentrations of conjugated estrone and luteinizing hormone values were coincident. Pregnanediol‐3‐glucuronide accurately reflected luteal function in the black mangabey. Knowledge of the menstrual cycle parameters and their correlation to perineal tumescence was used to time artificial inseminations. Semen was obtained by rectal electroejaculation. Coagulum and extended semen, or trypsin‐digested coagulum, were used for insemination. One insemination of trypsin‐digested coagulum at the external os of the cervix resulted in a probable conception, follówed by apparent abortion after 3 weeks. Copyright © 1990 Wiley‐Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company