Role of the Corpus Luteum in Controlling Implantation in Mustelid Carnivoresa

The studies that have been reviewed in this paper indicate that the ovaries of mustelids play an essential role in induction of blastocyst implantation. Moreover, the data suggest that CL are the primary source of a hormone, which acts in conjunction with progesterone, to initiate the chain of events leading to implantation. The identity of this luteal factor is unknown; however, existing evidence suggests that it may not be a steroid.