A coupled-oscillator model of ovarian-cycle synchrony among female rats

The ovarian cycles of female rats become synchronized when they live together, as do the cycles of many other mammals. Ovarian cycles also become synchronized when rats live apart if they share a common air supply, indicating that ovarian-cycle synchrony is mediated by pheromones. We developed a coupled-oscillator model of ovarian-cycle synchrony to test several hypotheses about its pheromonal and neuroendocrine mechanisms and to guide our experimental research. The model spans three levels of organization: the group, the rat, and the neuroendocrine components of the ovarian system. The ovarian system (not the ovaries themselves) are modeled as an oscillating system. Coupling among ovarian systems is mediated by the exchange of two pheromones, one that delays the phase of the ovarian system and one that advances it. Computer simulation experiments showed that this coupled-oscillator model can explain the levels of ovarian-cycle synchrony observed in groups of female rats while, at the same time, matching an empirical distribution of ovariancycle lengths. By successfully matching computer simulation data with empirical data, we were able to infer theoretical predictions in a number of areas: (1) effect of initial conditions on the probability that a group will change to different synchrony level and phase relationships, i.e. the transition probability between all synchrony levels and phase relationships; (2) effects of individual differences in pheromone sensitivity on ovarian-cycle synchrony; (3) the timing of pheromone sensitivity during the ovarian cycle; and (4) the existence of partial luteinizing hormone surges, which may cause the “spontaneous” prolonged ovarian cycles associated with ovarian-cycle synchrony. The paper concludes by discussing the integrative role of this model for experimental research. In particular, we focus on the role of this model in interpreting theoretical aspects of ovarian-cycle synchrony as well as for guiding future experimental research into its mechanisms and functions.