关键词: 小熊猫, 雌二醇, 孕酮, 化学发光免疫分析法, 假孕

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone during the estrous cycle of female red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) with chemiluminescence immunoassay. Serum concentrations of estradiol and
progesterone in 2 females were assessed 16 times during the estrous cycle, including diestrus,estrus, and 2 gestation periods. Serum concentrations of progesterone in 7 females were assessed 9 times during gestation periods. The results follow: (1) Serum concentrations of estradiol were maintained continuously at a lower level (basal level)during diestrus. The concentrations rose during proestrus and were maintained at a higher level throughout estrus until metestrus. (2) Serum concentrations of progesterone were maintained at a lower level during diestrus and estrus. The concentrations were not elevated until metestrus and were maintained at a higher level during the entire gestation period. The peaks for serum concentrations of progesterone in normal estrous animals occurred in May. (3) Regardless of whether the females who displayed signs of heat in estrus were pregnant or not,their serum concentrations of progesterone during their expected gestation period were maintained at higher levels. The study indicates that the estrous cycle of the animals can be explained by the variations of serum estradiol and estradiol was an important factor for promoting female seasonal estrus. The elevation of serum progesterone during gestation period cannot be used as a judgment standard for pregnancy in red pandas. Pseudopregnancy was found in females who nested in the end of gestation period.

Key words: Chemiluminescence immunoassay, Estradiol, Progesterone, Pseudo pregnant, Red panda (Ailurus fulgens)