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

Journal Article · Sat May 01 04:00:00 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), Journal Name: Biol. Reprod.; (United States) Vol. 26:4; ISSN BIREB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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