Experimental relaxation of the pubic ligament of the guinea pig.

Abstract

The extraordinary separation of the pubic bones of the guinea pig in late pregnancy has been recorded by several investigators. Todd1 has made the most recent contribution to this subject and has thoroughly discussed previous research as well as described the gradual changes that take place at the symphysis during normal pregnancy and the subsequent return to the post-parturient condition typical of multiparous females. The writer has been interested in this phenomena for the last four years, chiefly from the standpoint of its physiological explanation and possible correlation with a similar condition which has been studied in the pocket gopher.2 In the pocket gopher the pubic bones are resorbed at the symphysis before pregnancy occurs, and the reaction is governed by the ovary, while in the guinea pig relaxation of the pubis occurs during pregnancy and little or no bone is resorbed, but the connective tissue at the symphysis is greatly increased, allowing a marked separation of the bones.It has been poss...