Analysis of melatonin, 5-methoxytryptophol and 5-methoxyindoleacetic acid in the pineal gland and retina of hamster by capillary column gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
A specific capillary column gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method was used to determine 5-methoxyindoles in the pineal gland and retina of the golden hamster during a light-dark (14:10) cycle. In the pineal gland, the mean levels of melatonin ranged from 0.15 to 2.4 pmol per gland, with a maximum in the dark. The levels of 5-methoxytryptophol and 5-methoxyindoleacetic acid were in the same range, but peaked during light. In the retina the levels of melatonin were about 100 pmol/g, and seemed not to differ between light and dark. The level of 5-methoxyindoleacetic acid were in the same range during light but were below the detection limit during dark.
D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D006224:Cricetinae; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000032:analysis; D007211:Indoles / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000032:analysis*; D008647:Mesocricetus; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000032:analysis*; D012160:Retina / Q000032:analysis*; D013997:Time Factors
D007211:Indoles; C001736:5-methoxyindoleacetic acid; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; C002465:methoxytryptophol; D008550:Melatonin