RT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of receptor mRNA of follicle stimulating hormone ( FSHR ) and luteinizing hormone (LHR) in sexually immature hens. In the control group, the expression level of FSHR and LHR increased with time, but the FSHR and LHR expression decreased in the cadmium-added group. Thus, in the early stage of ovarian growth, cadmium affected the physiological function of FSH and LH by decreas...