Hormonal modulation of pineal melatonin synthesis in rats and Syrian hamsters: effects of adrenalectomy and corticosteroid implants.
Pineal levels of tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, serotonin, N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and the activities of the enzymes N-acetyltransferase and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase were determined in male albino rats and Syrian hamsters that were implanted with the appropriate corticosteroid or adrenalectomized two weeks earlier. Melatonin content and NAT activity were increased at 4 hours (during darkness) in adrenalectomized hamsters; conversely, no alterations in melatonin levels were observed in either adrenalectomized or implanted rats. It is suggested that the changes in adrenal function probably have a minor influence on pineal melatonin production.
Champney
T H
TH
Craft
C M
CM
Webb
S M
SM
Reiter
R J
RJ
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000315:Adrenalectomy; D000818:Animals; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000097:blood; D006224:Cricetinae; D004343:Drug Implants; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008647:Mesocricetus; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000378:metabolism
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D004343:Drug Implants; D012701:Serotonin; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; D014364:Tryptophan; D008550:Melatonin; D003345:Corticosterone; D006854:Hydrocortisone