Low ambient temperature does not affect the pineal concentrations of either 5-methoxytryptamine or melatonin in golden hamsters kept under short photoperiod.
This work investigates the rhythmic synthesis of pineal 5-methoxytryptamine and related indoles in golden hamsters as a function of ambient temperature. 5-methoxytryptamine, 5-methoxytryptophol, 5-methoxyindole acetic acid, and melatonin were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the pineal gland of golden hamsters after inhibition of monoamine oxidase. In our experimental conditions, the pineal 5-methoxyindole concentrations of hamsters kept at 5 degrees C were similar to those observed at 20 degrees C. These results suggest that low temperature, which is known to accelerate the short photoperiod-induced gonadal regression, acts at a level different to that of the pineal gland or affects another compound in the pineal gland.
CNRS URA 1332, Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, France.
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D008735:5-Methoxytryptamine / Q000378:metabolism*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003080:Cold Temperature; D006224:Cricetinae; D007211:Indoles / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D008647:Mesocricetus; D009929:Organ Size; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000378:metabolism*; D013696:Temperature; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism
D007211:Indoles; D008735:5-Methoxytryptamine; D008550:Melatonin