Melatonin: identification of sites of antigonadal action in mouse brain

Science. 1981 Nov 13;214(4522):821-3. doi: 10.1126/science.7292016.

Abstract

Long-term implants releasing a small quantity of melatonin (45 nanograms per day) were used to determine the brain sites of the hormone's antigonadal action in a photoperiodic species, the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus). Implants in the medial preoptic and supra- and retrochiasmatic areas elicited completed gonadal regression after 7 weeks. Implants in other brain regions had little effect on the animals' reproductive state.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Genitalia, Female / drug effects
  • Genitalia, Female / pathology*
  • Hypothalamus / drug effects*
  • Light
  • Melatonin / pharmacology*
  • Mice
  • Periodicity
  • Preoptic Area / drug effects
  • Supraoptic Nucleus / drug effects

Substances

  • Melatonin