Photoperiodic inhibition of testicular development is mediated by the pineal gland in white-footed mice

Journal Article · Sat May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1982 · Biol. Reprod.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod26.4.597· OSTI ID:6715962

Johnston, P G; Boshes, M; Zucker, I

White-footed mice were maintained in short or long photoperiods from birth to 60 days of age (10 h vs. 14 h of light per day). Testes weights and spermatogenesis were substantially reduced in short daylengths. Pinealectomy at 5-7 days of age eliminated the suppressive effect of photoperiod on the reproductive system. However, testicular development was not retarded in intact males kept from 25 to 60 days of age in short daylengths. Exposure to short daylengths prior to 25 days of age contributes to photoperiodic inhibition of testicular development. Removal of the pineal gland did not consistently affect gonadal maturation in long photoperiods. The pineal gland transduces the effects of short daylengths on reproductive development. Some effects of long daylengths on the neuroendocrine axis of white-footed mice may also be mediated by the pineal gland.

• Research Organization: Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley
• OSTI ID: 6715962
• Journal Information: Biol. Reprod.; (United States), Vol. 26:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
PINEAL GLAND
PHYSIOLOGY
VISIBLE RADIATION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
INHIBITION
MICE
PHOTOPERIOD
SPERMATOGENESIS
TESTES
TIME DEPENDENCE
ANIMALS
BODY
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
GAMETOGENESIS
GLANDS
GONADS
MALE GENITALS
MAMMALS
ORGANS
RADIATIONS
RODENTS
VERTEBRATES
551000* - Physiological Systems
550100 - Behavioral Biology