Serum LH concentrations analyzed by RIA for experiments 1–3. Con, Virgin control; Lac, lactation + eight pups; Lac + Ins/Lep, lactation + insulin and leptin replacement; −Pubs, 48 h pup removal. Columns with different letters are significantly different (P < 0.05). It should be noted that LH levels after 48 h pup removal do not catch up to control values due to the shorter time for the postcastration hypersecretion of LH (2 vs. 8 d, respectively).