Hypothalamic cuts suggest a brain site for the antigonadotrophic action of melatonin in the Syrian hamster.
Thrice daily melatonin injections inhibit reproductive functions in pinealectomized male hamsters, as measured by sex organ weights and plasma testosterone levels. Total or anterior, but not posterior, hypothalamic deafferentation prevented the antigonadotrophic effect of melatonin. The findings suggest a site of action of melatonin within the central nervous system.
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006224:Cricetinae; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008647:Mesocricetus; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000502:physiology; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D013739:Testosterone; D008550:Melatonin