Food intake and body weight regulation during the reproductive cycle of the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

Abstract

Changes in food intake and body weight of hamsters were traced over the estrous cycle, pregnancy, lactation, and the postsuckling period. Food intake varied with the estrous cycle but did not increase during pregnancy. During the postpartum period food intake increased in proportion to litter size and body weight decreased. The postsuckling period was accompanied by a decrease in food intake and an increase in body weight. Prolactin injections did not maintain the elevated food intake during the postsuckling period nor stimulate food intake when administered for a 7-day period to virgin animals. The mechanisms and functional implications of the contrasting patterns of energy regulation in hamsters and rats are discussed.