Pineal and photoperiodic influences on fat deposition, pelage, and testicular activity in male meadow voles

Pinealectomy completely prevented gonadal regression as well as reduction in body weight and white adipose tissue content of the gonadal and retroperitoneal fat deposits in male meadow voles transferred from long to short day lengths. Pineal influences on pelage characteristics depended on which parameter was assessed. For instance, the increase in guard hair length observed in short-day control voles was blocked by pinealectomy; however, a similar increase in underhair length was unaffected by removal of the pineal gland. Photoperiod-dependent changes in fat deposition, testicular activity, and guard hair length presumably rely on altered pineal secretory activity to transduce the effects of day length on the neuroendocrine axis; however, mechanisms independent of pineal activity may be capable of mediating photoperiodic control of underhair growth.     

Effects of pinealectomy on pituitary gonadotrophs, pituitary gonadotropin potency and hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing activity in Notemigonus crysoleucas

The effects of pinealectomy on pituitary gonadotrophs, pituitary gonadotropin potency and hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing activity were examined in the cyprinid teleost, Notemigonus crysoleucas, exposed to various photoperiod-temperature regimes. In fish exposed to a long photoperiod-warm temperature regime, pinealectomy resulted in a decrease in gonadal activity, in hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing activity and an increase in pituitary gonadotropin potency. Fewer gonadotrophs were present in the pituitary of sham operated fish than in the pituitary of pinealectomized fish. Ovarian development was more rapid in sham operated than in pinealectomized fish exposed to a long photoperiod–low temperature regime. Pituitary gonadotropin activity was also greater in shams than in pinealectomized fish. A short photoperiod-warm temperature regime retarded ovarian development in N. crysoleucas. Pinealectomy reversed this trend. Gonadotrophs made up a greater area of the pituitary in pinealectomized fish than in shams under these conditions. Gonadotropin potency of the pituitary and hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing activity were also greater in pinealectomized fish than in shams. The area of the pituitary occupied by gonadotrophs was greater in pinealectomized than in sham operated animals maintained on a short photoperiod-low temperature regime. Pituitary gonadotropin activity was also greater in pinealectomized fish as compared to shams. Pituitary gonadotropin potency varies diurnally in animals maintained on both short and long photoperiods; the rhythm of variation differs depending on photoperiod. Pinealectomy alters the diurnal rhythm of pituitary gonadotropin potency in animals exposed to both long and short photoperiods. It is concluded that pinealectomy has a pronounced effect on reproductive activity in N. crysoleucas. The effects of pinealectomy on reproduction vary with photoperiod, but are mediated via the hypothalamus and pituitary. In fish exposed to long daylengths the pineal favours reproductive activity, but the epiphysis retards reproductive processes in animals maintained on short photoperiods.     

Testicular regression in response to food restriction and short photoperiod in white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) is mediated by apoptosis

Short day lengths or reduced food availability are salient cues for small mammals that breed seasonally. Photoperiod-mediated gonadal regression in white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) is a slow, orderly process that involves testicular apoptosis. Testicular regression in response to restricted caloric intake is relatively rapid, and it is generally reversed quickly by ad libitum (ad lib) feeding. To determine the contribution of apoptotic cell death during food restriction, and to examine possible interactions with photoperiod, mice housed in long (16L:8D) or short (8L:16D) photoperiods were fed either ad lib or 70% of their average ad lib intake. Testes were removed at 2, 4, 6, or 8 wk of experimental treatment. Apoptotic activity was determined by in situ TUNEL labeling and assessment of DNA laddering. Significant (P < 0.05) gonadal regression in response to short days was first detected at 8 weeks in mice fed ad lib. Food-restricted, long-day mice also showed significant testicular regression at 8 wk. Combined exposure to short day lengths and food restriction resulted in significant testicular regression at 6 wk (P < 0.05). TUNEL labeling was slightly, though significantly, elevated in germ cells at 2 and 4 wk in long-day food-restricted mice (P < 0.05). TUNEL labeling was also elevated in short-day food-restricted males at these early times but then increased nearly 5-fold at 6 and 8 wk in these mice (P < 0.001). DNA laddering confirmed elevated apoptosis. Overall apoptotic activity negatively correlated with paired testis mass, plasma testosterone, and spermatogenic index measurements in both ad lib and food-restricted males. Few histological markers of necrotic cell death were observed in any group. Taken together, these results suggest that testicular regression in response to limited caloric intake or short days is mediated by apoptosis.     

Role of photoperiod during pregnancy and lactation in the meadow vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus

The influence of daylength on body mass and food intake of pregnant and lactating voles was tested by comparing animals housed in long versus short daylengths. Pregnancy rates were approximately 50% in long-day females and in voles kept in short days beginning 2 weeks before mating, but were significantly lower in voles preadapted to short days for 8 weeks before mating. Body mass and food intake increased substantially during pregnancy and lactation and the magnitude of the increase was unaffected by daylength; by contrast, body weight was significantly reduced in non-impregnated voles kept in short as compared to long days. The suppressive effects of short photoperiods on body weight were completely counteracted during pregnancy and lactation. Voles that breed during the short days of winter face extreme energetic challenges but the advantages of early breeding appear to justify the costs.     

Periventricular and suprachiasmatic lesion effects on photoperiodic responses of the hamster hypophyseal-gonadal axis

We examined the involvement of neural mechanisms within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and periventricular area (PVA), and the role of prolactin (Prl) in control of endocrine function in short day-exposed Syrian hamsters. Hamsters bearing lesions of the SCN or PVA, hamsters implanted with an anterior pituitary under the kidney capsule to provide sustained Prl levels, and sham-operated hamsters were exposed to either 14L:10D or 8L:16D. After 9 wk, hamsters were sacrificed, and their testes and pituitaries were studied in vitro to assess their secretory capacity. SCN lesions and large periventricular lesions impinging on the paraventricular nucleus prevented testicular regression during short-day exposure. Small periventricular lesions and pituitary implants did not prevent gonadal regression in hamsters exposed to short days. Testis weights were positively correlated with basal and luteinizing hormone (LH)-stimulated androgen production in the control and lesioned groups; pituitary implants prevented the decline in androgen production in vitro in gonadally regressed animals. The relative in vitro pituitary response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation in control and lesioned groups was not reduced by short-day exposure. These data indicate that either axons coursing dorsally from the SCN or extra-SCN structures in the periventricular/paraventricular area are necessary for testicular regression in short photoperiods.     

Termination of gonadal refractoriness in Turkish hamsters, Mesocricetus brandti

The Turkish hamster (Mesocricetus brandti) is a photoperiodic species. In this investigation, we characterized the photoperiodic requirements for termination of gonadal refractoriness, defined as the inability of the animal to respond to short-day treatment with gonadal regression. Paired testes weights were reduced to less than 20% of their original weight by 10 wk of 12L:12D treatment. This was followed by spontaneous testicular recrudescence (completed by Week 25 of 12L:12D treatment), the overt indication of refractoriness to short photoperiods. Next, the period of long-day exposure sufficient for termination of refractoriness was determined. Refractory males were exposed to 16L:8D for 5 to 20 wk. Ten weeks of 16L:8D treatment was enough for the animals to regain the sensitivity to a second challenge of 12L:12D treatment. Fifteen weeks of 20L:4D or 16L:8D terminated refractoriness in female Turkish hamsters; 20L:4D therefore was not interpreted as a short day by refractory hamsters. This was unexpected because in photosensitive animals this photoperiod acts like a short day, causing gonadal regression. These results suggest that Turkish hamsters are similar to Syrian hamsters in that both species require two or more months of long days in summer to recover sensitivity to the short days of the following fall.     

Photoperiod influences the critical caloric intake necessary to maintain reproduction among male deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus).

The concept of critical day length is well established among rodents; reproductive function is maintained when day lengths are greater than some specific threshold. In addition to day length cues, seasonal breeding in deer mice can also be regulated by food availability. The caloric threshold necessary to support reproduction remains unspecified for seasonally breeding rodents. The present study examined the interaction between photoperiod and food availability on reproductive function in adult male deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). A critical caloric intake profile was constructed in long (16L:8D) and short (8L:16D) photoperiods; groups of deer mice in both photoperiods either received food ad libitum or 90, 80, or 70% of their individual ad libitum food intake for 10 wk. At autopsy, paired testes, epididymides, and seminal vesicles were removed and weighed. Body mass, total body fat, and total body water contents were also obtained. Short, as compared to long, day lengths inhibited the reproductive systems of male deer mice. However, food consumption interacted with photoperiod to affect reproductive function. Significant reductions in reproductive organ size as well as spermatogenic activity were observed among short-day mice after a 10% reduction in ad libitum food intake. Long-day animals required a 20% reduction in caloric intake to depress reproductive function. Body mass and total body water content were generally unaffected by either photoperiod or food consumption. Total body fat content was reduced in short- as compared to long-day mice. Individual reproductive responsiveness to short days increased as food availability decreased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The effect of brief light pulses on the photoperiodic reaction in the Djungarian hamsterPhodopus sungorus

Summary The effects of brief light pulses on photoperiodic reaction were examined in male Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). Half of the animals came from long photoperiods and, accordingly, were in physiological summer state with large and functional testes. The other half had lived in short natural photoperiods before and was in physiological winter condition with involuted testes. These animals were exposed to long (LD 168) or to short (LD 816) photoperiods, or to short photoperiods in which the 16 h of darktime were interrupted by 1 min of light each night, either 4, 8 or 12 h after light off.Light pulses at midnight had the same effect as long photoperiods, they maintained gonadal size and activity or caused rapid recrudescence. If the light pulses were applied 4 or 12 h after light-off, however, a marked difference in effect ensued, depending on previous state and light regime. In animals coming from long photoperiods, these schedules induced regression, while in hamsters coming from short photoperiods the same schedules stimulated recrudescence, though significantly less than full long photoperiods or schedules with light-interruptions at midnight. Changes in body weight and pelage colour closely paralleled the changes in gonadal state.     

Hypothalamic expression of thyroid hormone-activating and -inactivating enzyme genes in relation to photorefractoriness in birds and mammals

Photorefractoriness is the insensitivity of gonadal development to the stimulatory effects of long photoperiods in birds and to the inhibitory effects of short photoperiods in small mammals. Its molecular mechanism remains unknown. Recently, it has been shown that reciprocal expression of thyroid hormone-activating enzyme [type 2 deiodinase (Dio2)] and -inactivating enzyme [type 3 deiodinase (Dio3)] genes in the mediobasal hypothalamus is critical for photoperiodically induced gonadal growth. Since thyroid hormones are required not only for photoinduction, but also for the induction of photorefractoriness, we examined the expression of these genes in relation to photorefractoriness in birds and mammals. Transfer of birds to long photoperiods induced strong expression of Dio2. This was maintained in tree sparrow when they later became photorefractory, but decreased somewhat in quail. In hamsters, transfer to long photoperiods also induced strong expression of Dio2. High values were not maintained under long photoperiods, and, indeed, expression decreased at the same rate as in animals transferred to short photoperiods. There was no renewed expression of Dio2 associated with testicular growth as animals became refractory to short photoperiods. Expression of Dio3 was high under short photoperiods and low under long photoperiods in all the animals examined, except for the short photoperiod-refractory hamsters. Our present study revealed complex regulation of deiodinase genes in the photoinduction and photorefractory processes in birds and mammals. These gene changes may be involved in the regulation of photorefractoriness, as well as photoinduction.     

Daylength influences pelage and plasma prolactin concentrations but not reproduction in the prairie vole, Microtus ochrogaster

Short daylengths did not affect testes weight or spermatogenic index in male voles or uterine weight in female voles. Short daylengths did stimulate the growth of a winter pelage in both sexes; short-day voles had longer underhairs and guard hairs and a thicker, more dense pelage than did long-day voles. Plasma prolactin concentrations were five times higher in long-day than in short-day females and 25% higher in long-day males than in short-day males. The effect of short daylength on pelage was prevented by pinealectomy. We suggest that the growth of a winter coat is an obligate adaptation for winter survival, stimulated by exposure to short daylengths, but that changes in breeding activity are facultative and dependent to a greater extent on other cues for seasonal synchronization.     

Photoperiod effects on gene expression for hypothalamic appetite-regulating peptides and food intake in the ram

Relationship between voluntary food intake (VFI) and gene expression for appetite-regulating peptides was examined in the brains of Soay rams under contrasting photoperiods. Two groups (n = 8) were subjected to alternating block long-day (LD) and short-day photoperiods (SD) over a period of 42 wk to entrain long-term cycles in VFI. Five animals from each group were killed 18 wk into LD or SD, and the brains were collected for in situ hybridization studies. VFI was fourfold higher under LD compared with SD. Body weight, abdominal fat, or plasma leptin levels were similar under LD and SD. LD animals were in positive energy balance and sexually inactive, and SD animals were in negative energy balance and sexually active. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA levels were higher in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) under LD, and pro-opiomelanocortin expression was lower under LD. Leptin receptor (Ob-Rb) was higher in the ARC under LD. We conclude that photoperiod-induced increase in VFI correlates with expression of NPY, but not with expression of genes for other putative orexigenic peptides. Ob-Rb gene expression is regulated by photoperiod.     

Short day lengths delay development of the SNB neuromuscular system in the Siberian hamster,Phodopus sungorus

The Siberian hamster, Phodopus sungorus, breeds seasonally. In the laboratory, the seasonal breeding can be controlled by photoperiod, which affects the durations of nightly melatonin secretions. Winterlike short day lengths induce gonadal regression in adult animals, and pups born and maintained in short days undergo gonadal development much later than animals born into long days. The spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB) and its target muscles, the bulbocavernosus (BC) and levator ani (LA), comprise a sexually dimorphic, androgen-sensitive neuromuscular system involved in male reproduction. The SNB neuromuscular system was studied in male Siberian hamsters maintained from conception in short-day (8:16 h light/dark cycle) versus long-day (16:8 h light/dark cycle) conditions. At 40–47 days of age, development of three components of the SNB neuromuscular system were all significantly delayed in hamsters raised in the short photoperiod: BC/LA muscle weight, the size of SNB motoneuronal somata, and the area of the neuromuscular junctions at the BC/LA muscles of short-day hamsters were each significantly reduced relative to those of long-day counterparts. Thus, development of the SNB reproductive system is delayed under short day lengths in this species. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 35: 355–360, 1998     

Phenotypic variation in seasonal adjustments of testis size, body weight, and food intake in deer mice: role of pineal function and ambient temperature

We investigated pineal function as well as reproductive and energetic characteristics in male deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) that differentially respond to short photoperiod with full, partial or no gonadal regression. In mice at both high (23 °C) and low temperature (1 °C), these phenotypic differences in reproductive responses to short days were not reflected by differences in urinary excretion of 6-sulphatoxy-melatonin, the main metabolite of pineal melatonin. Neither duration nor amplitude or phase-angle of nocturnal peaks in 6-sulphatoxymelatonin significantly differed between reproductive phenotypes at either temperature. Differences in testis size were, however, associated with different energy requirements. In gonadally regressed males only, food intake and body weight were significantly (P < 0.01) reduced by up to 29% and 13% respectively. Chronic cold exposure (5 °C) had no effect on the proportion of males undergoing testicular regression under short days, but caused a general elevation in body weights among all mice (P < 0.05). Phenotypic differences in body weight and food intake were maintained in the cold. Together, these results suggest that within-population variation of reproductive responses in male deer mice is based on post-pineal differences in the regulation of gonadal function, and that phenotypic characteristics in reproductive and energetic responses to short days are largely unaffected by ambient temperature. Accepted: 2 October 1995     

Timing of testicular recrudescence in siberian hamsters is unaffected by pinealectomy or long-day photoperiod after 9 weeks in short days

In this study, the authors asked whether pinealectomy or temporary exposure to a stimulatory photoperiod affects the timing of spontaneous testicular recrudescence in adult Siberian hamsters chronically exposed to short days (9:15 light:dark). In Experiment 1, hamsters were pinealectomized after 6, 9, or 12 weeks in short days. Pinealectomy after 9 or 12 weeks did not affect the timing of spontaneous gonadal growth (27.7 +/- 1.9 and 25.4 +/- 1.3 weeks, respectively) compared to sham-operated controls (28.6 +/- 0.9 weeks). Enlarged testes occurred earlier in animals that were pinealectomized after 6 weeks in short days (21.8 +/- 2.1 weeks). In Experiment 2, adult hamsters were exposed to short days for 9 weeks, transferred to long days (16:8 light:dark) for 4 weeks, and then returned to short days for 23 additional weeks. Although long-day interruption caused gonadal growth in 15 out of 19 hamsters, the temporary long-day exposure did not affect the timing of spontaneous gonadal growth following return to short days (28.2 +/- 0.9 weeks) in 10 of the 15, relative to the timing observed in control hamsters continuously maintained in short days (28.2 +/- 1.1 weeks). Four out of 19 hamsters did not show gonadal growth following long-day exposure. Spontaneous gonadal growth in these hamsters (28.0 +/- 1.4 weeks) also occurred at the same time as controls. The remaining 5 hamsters exhibited enlarged testes following long-day exposure (12.0 +/- 0.0 weeks) but were refractory to the second short-day exposure. All hamsters exhibited entrainment of wheel-running activity following the change in photoperiod. A final group of 13 animals were pinealectomized before long-day transfer. They exhibited gonadal growth (at 17.2 +/- 0.8 weeks) but failed to regress a second time when returned to short days. The timing of gonadal growth in these animals was delayed relative to the sham-operated hamsters temporarily transferred to long days (Experiment 2) but accelerated relative to the hamsters pinealectomized at 9 weeks, which remained continuously in short days (Experiment 1). The results of both experiments suggest that a pineal-independent process mediates the timing of spontaneous gonadal growth in Siberian hamsters chronically exposed to a short-day photoperiod.     

Seasonal changes in serum leptin, food intake, and body weight in photoentrained woodchucks

Male woodchucks (Marmota monax) were maintained in northern vs. southern hemisphere photoperiods, provided feed and water ad libitum, and evaluated every 2 wk for 23 mo for body weight, absolute and relative food intake, body temperature, serum testosterone, and serum concentrations of leptin measured using an anti-mouse leptin enzyme-linked immunoassay. During late spring and summer, body weight increased 56 +/- 4% above winter nadirs, and during the autumn and early winter weights decreased 27 to 43% below midsummer maxima. Serum leptin initially increased during increases in body weight, in the late spring, reached peak values (490 +/- 32 pg/ml) in summer during the initial decline in body weight, and later decreased along with body weight to reach basal values (20 +/- 5 pg/ml) in late winter. Spontaneous declines in food intakes in summer began 2-6 wk before resulting declines in body weight and occurred during increases in leptin >100 pg/ml. The rate of decline in food intakes was greatest when serum leptin was at or near peak values. Food intake increased in late winter when leptin was low and 7-10 wk before resulting increases in body weight. Testis recrudescence occurred when leptin was declining to near basal levels. The results suggest that leptin is involved in the hormonal regulation of the circannual cycle in the drive for voluntary food intake in this species.     

A melatonin-independent seasonal timer induces neuroendocrine refractoriness to short day lengths.

The duration of nocturnal pineal melatonin secretion transduces effects of day length (DL) on the neuroendocrine axis of photoperiodic rodents. Long DLs support reproduction, and short DLs induce testicular regression, followed several months later by spontaneous recrudescence; gonadal regrowth is thought to reflect development of tissue refractoriness to melatonin. In most photoperiodic species, pinealectomy does not diminish reproductive competence in long DLs. Turkish hamsters (Mesocricetus brandti) deviate from this norm: elimination of melatonin secretion in long-day males by pinealectomy or constant light treatment induces testicular regression and subsequently recrudescence; the time course of these gonadal transitions is similar to that observed in males transferred from long to short DLs. In the present study, long-day Turkish hamsters that underwent testicular regression and recrudescence in constant light subsequently were completely unresponsive to the antigonadal effects of short DLs. Other hamsters that manifested testicular regression and recrudescence in short DLs were unresponsive to the antigonadal effects of pinealectomy or constant light. Long-term suppression of melatonin secretion induces a physiological state in Turkish hamsters similar or identical to the neuroendocrine refractoriness produced by short-day melatonin signals (i.e., neural refractoriness to melatonin develops in the absence of circulating melatonin secretion). A melatonin-independent interval timer, which would remain operative in the absence of melatonin during hibernation, may determine the onset of testicular recrudescence in the spring. In this respect, Turkish hamsters differ from most other photoperiodic rodents.     

The influence of multiple photoperiods and pinealectomy on gonads, pelage and body weight in male meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus

1. Chronic exposure of male Microtus pennsylvanicus to photoperiods with 8, 10 and 12 hr of light per day results in gonadal regression, molt to winter pelage and significant reductions in body weight and food consumption relative to voles kept on photoperiods with 13 and 14 hr of light per day. 2. A precise critical daylength is observed in this species as exposure to photoperiods with 12 or fewer hours of light per day results in complete gonadal involution, seasonal molt and loss of body weight. 3. Pinealectomy abolishes all short-photoperiod induced responses in this species.     

Photoperiodic influences on ultradian rhythms of male siberian hamsters

Seasonal changes in mammalian physiology and behavior are proximately controlled by the annual variation in day length. Long summer and short winter day lengths markedly alter the amplitude of endogenous circadian rhythms and may affect ultradian oscillations, but the threshold photoperiods for inducing these changes are not known. We assessed the effects of short and intermediate day lengths and changes in reproductive physiology on circadian and ultradian rhythms of locomotor activity in Siberian hamsters. Males were maintained in a long photoperiod from birth (15 h light/day; 15 L) and transferred in adulthood to 1 of 7 experimental photoperiods ranging from 14 L to 9 L. Decreases in circadian rhythm (CR) robustness, mesor and amplitude were evident in photoperiods ≤14 L, as were delays in the timing of CR acrophase and expansion of nocturnal activity duration. Nocturnal ultradian rhythms (URs) were comparably prevalent in all day lengths, but 15 L markedly inhibited the expression of light-phase URs. The period (τ'), amplitude and complexity of URs increased in day lengths ≤13 L. Among hamsters that failed to undergo gonadal regression in short day lengths (nonresponders), τ' of the dark-phase UR was longer than in photoresponsive hamsters; in 13 L the incidence and amplitude of light-phase URs were greater in hamsters that did not undergo testicular regression. Day lengths as long as 14 L were sufficient to trigger changes in the waveform of CRs without affecting UR waveform. The transition from a long- to a short-day ultradian phenotype occurred for most UR components at day lengths of 12 L-13 L, thereby establishing different thresholds for CR and UR responses to day length. At the UR-threshold photoperiod of 13 L, differences in gonadal status were largely without effect on most UR parameters.     

European hamsters (Cricetus cricetus) show a transient phase of insensitivity to long photoperiods after gonadal regression

Annual rhythms of body weight and reproduction in the European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) are the result of an interaction between seasonal changes in day length (photoperiod) and seasonal changes in the responsiveness of animals to these photoperiods. The present study demonstrates that under natural conditions European hamsters are not able to perceive long photoperiods (i.e., a 16L:8D cycle) before mid-November. This is an important difference to other hamster species, in which regrowth of the gonads can be stimulated by exposure to long photoperiods at any stage of gonadal regression. The experiments also demonstrate the existence of an annual phase of sensitivity to long photoperiods that starts around mid-November and extends until March/April. During this phase of sensitivity, exposure to a long photoperiod (16L:8D) induced gonadal regrowth within 3 wk. Additional experiments with an accelerated photoperiodic lighting regimen indicated that a photoperiod of approximately 13 h is necessary to stimulate gonadal regrowth. Under natural light conditions in Stuttgart (48.46 degrees N), a photoperiod of 13 h is reached by the beginning of April, which fits well with the finding that the majority of animals kept under a natural light:dark cycle had well-developed gonads by the end of April. Nevertheless, these animals showed a rather variable timing of gonadal regrowth, ranging from early January to late April. This is most likely the result of two processes: first, an endogenous mechanism (photorefractoriness) that induces gonadal recrudescence without any photoperiodic information while the animals are still in their hibernation burrows, and second, a direct stimulatory effect of long photoperiods.     

Prolactin-dependent seasonal changes in pelage: role of the pineal gland and dopamine.

The Siberian hamster displays seasonal changes in pelage that are dependent upon fluctuations in circulating prolactin levels. Pinealectomy prevented the decrease in serum prolactin and molt to the winter pelage displayed by castrated males housed under a short-day photoperiod. A dopaminergic antagonist, pimozide, enhanced prolactin levels in both pinealectomized and sham-operated animals under both long and short photoperiods. In the short-day animals, this effect of pimozide was associated with a prevention of the development of winter pelage. These results indicate that seasonal prolactin levels and related pelage changes are dependent upon the integrity of the pineal gland. However, basal prolactin levels under different photoperiod conditions appear to be only partly regulated by the actions of the dopaminergic system.