[Circadian and circannuel fluctuations of pineal metatonin content in Testudo hermanni G. (Reptilia-Chelonia) under natural conditions of photoperiod and temperature (author's transl)].
Pineal content of melatonin is measured by RIA. The tortoise, Testudo hermanni, in natural lighting, shows peak night-time melatonin levels during summer (may to september) at the period of greatest activity. During hibernation, melatonin levels are very low and no circadian variation can be detected.
D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D006605:Hibernation; D008027:Light; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000378:metabolism*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012621:Seasons; D013696:Temperature; D014426:Turtles / Q000502:physiology*
D008550:Melatonin
Variations circadiennes et circannuelles de la mélatonine épiphysaire chez Testudo hermani G. (reptile-chelonien) dans des conditions naturelles d'éclairement et de température.