Antifertility effects of levonorgestrel, quinestrol, and their mixture (EP‐1) on plateau zokor in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

The plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi) is a key species in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau ecosystem, and fertility control could be an ideal approach to manage populations of this subterranean species. In this laboratory study, we explored the effects of the mixture of levonorgestrel and quinestrol (EP-1, 1:2), quinestrol (E), and levonorgestrel (P) on the reproductive status of plateau zokors. Groups of 5 animals of each sex were treated with different concentrations of EP-1 (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg), E (0.33, 3.3, and 6.6 mg/kg), and P (0.67, 3.35, and 6.7 mg/kg) by oral gavage over 7 successive days and killed on day 15. Body mass reduction was observed in the EP-1 and E groups. EP-1 and E significantly reduced the weight of testis and epididymis at 10 and 3.3 mg/kg, respectively. Sperm count and motility were significantly reduced by 5 mg/kg EP-1 and 0.33 mg/kg E. The levels of serum testosterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone were significantly reduced by 5 mg/kg EP-1 and 3.3 mg/kg E. EP-1 and E significantly increased the uterine and ovarian weights at 10 and 3.3 mg/kg, respectively. In the plateau zokors, treatment with P had no influence on the reproductive status. These data demonstrate that EP-1 and E have an inhibitory effect on a range of reproductive parameters in the plateau zokors. Further assessment is required to determine the effects on breeding and recruitment in enclosure or field experiments.