help button home button Endocrine Society Endocrinology
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Article
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow Request Copyright Permission
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Carter, D. S.
Right arrow Articles by Goldman, B. D.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Carter, D. S.
Right arrow Articles by Goldman, B. D.

Endocrinology, Vol 111, 863-871, Copyright © 1982 by Endocrine Society

ARTICLES

Pineal is required for testicular maintenance in the turkish hamster (mesocricetus brandti)

DS Carter, VD Hall, L Tamarkin and BD Goldman

The effect of pinealectomy on reproductive function was examined in the Turkish hamster, Mesocricetus brandti. Pinealectomy resulted in testicular regression in this species. This result was unexpected since pinealectomy prevents short day-induced regression of the gonads in the closely related Syrian hamster, Mesocricetus auratus. Decentralization of the superior cervical ganglia and exposure to continuous illumination also caused testicular regression in the Turkish hamster. These manipulations are believed to block pineal melatonin synthesis. In each case (i.e. pinealectomy, decentralization of the superior cervical ganglia, exposure to continuous illumination), the testes regressed after approximately 3--9 weeks and underwent recrudescence after approximately 16--28 weeks. This cycle of testicular regression and recrudescence was similar to that observed in Turkish hamsters exposed to a short day photoperiod. In further experiments, the effects of exogenous melatonin were studied in Turkish and Syrian hamsters. The results of these studies suggest that, in Turkish hamsters, pineal melatonin may be involved in both the maintenance of testis function during exposure to a long day photoperiod and also in the suppression of reproductive function in short days. This is in contrast to the Syrian hamster, in which melatonin appears to be important only for inhibition of gonadal function in short days.


This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 J Biol RhythmsHome page
M. P. Butler, K. W. Turner, and I. Zucker
A Melatonin-Independent Seasonal Timer Induces Neuroendocrine Refractoriness to Short Day Lengths
J Biol Rhythms, June 1, 2008; 23(3): 242 - 251.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 ScienceHome page
L Tamarkin, C. Baird, and O. Almeida
Melatonin: a coordinating signal for mammalian reproduction?
Science, February 15, 1985; 227(4688): 714 - 720.
[Abstract] [PDF]


HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Endocrinology Endocrine Reviews J. Clin. End. & Metab.
Molecular Endocrinology Recent Prog. Horm. Res. All Endocrine Journals
Copyright © 1982 by The Endocrine Society