Gonadal function in male offspring of pinealectomized female rats

• Published in: Acta endocrinologica (Copenhagen) Vol. 116; no. 2; p. 247
• Main Authors: Jarrige, J F, Tlemcani, O, Boucher, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Denmark 01-10-1987
• Subjects: Androstenedione - metabolism; Animals; Dihydrotestosterone - metabolism; Female; Light; Male; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Pineal Gland - physiology; Pregnancy; Prostate - anatomy & histology; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Seminal Vesicles - anatomy & histology; Sexual Maturation; Testis - anatomy & histology; Testis - physiology; Testosterone - metabolism
• ISSN: 0001-5598
• DOI: 10.1530/acta.0.1160247

Female rats were exposed to a short (6 L: 18 D) photoperiod from 21 days of age. On day 2 of gestation, animals were pinealectomized sham-operated. Lighting regimens were not changed during the course of the study. Male offspring of the 2 groups of rats were sacrificed on days 30, 42 and 49 after birth. Pinealectomy of the mother induced the following modifications: in 30-day-old offsprings, a decrease in prostatic weight and plasma dihydrotestosterone level; in 42-day-old rats, a decrease in prostatic weight, in testicular androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone content, and in plasma testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels; in 49-day-old animals, decreased testicular and plasma testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels. These results indicate that rat testicular function, after exposure to a short photoperiod beginning before conception, is decreased by maternal pinealectomy. The mother's pineal gland may play a part in the control of rat testicular function.