Natural and synthetic analogues of melatonin and related compounds. I. Effects on the reproductive system of the male Syrian hamster.
The potential antigonadotrophic properties of a number of synthetic and natural melatonin analogues were examined. Adult male hamsters received daily subcutaneous injections (25 micrograms/animal/day) each afternoon for 7 or 10 weeks. The only analogue to possess antigonadotrophic activity similar to melatonin wa 6-chloromelatonin; melatonin and 6-chloromelatonin produced a significant reduction in both testicular and accessory sex organ weights, plasma LH and pituitary prolactin. These results suggest that, in the Syrian hamster, 6-chloromelatonin acts as a melatonin agonist and may be of use to elucidate further the physiological role of melatonin.
D000818:Animals; D006224:Cricetinae; D006728:Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007211:Indoles / Q000494:pharmacology; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D008647:Mesocricetus; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood
D006728:Hormones; D007211:Indoles; C025278:O-acetyl-5-methoxytryptophenol; C024100:6-chloromelatonin; D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D013972:Thyrotropin; D008550:Melatonin