Cold prevents the light induced inactivation of pineal N-acetyltransferase in the Djungarian hamster,Phodopus sungorus |
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Authors: | Ariane Stieglitz Stephan Steinlechner Thomas Ruf Gerhard Heldmaier |
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Affiliation: | (1) Department of Biology/Zoology, Philipps-University, W-3550 Marburg, Germany |
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Abstract: | Summary In the Djungarian hamster seasonal acclimatization is primarily controlled by photoperiod, but exposure to low ambient temperature amplifies the intensity and duration of short day-induced winter adaptations. The aim of this study was to test, whether the pineal gland is involved in integrating both environmental cues. Exposure of hamsters to cold (0 °C) reduces the sensitivity of the pineal gland to light at night and prevents inactivation of N-acetyltransferase (NAT). The parallel time course of NAT activity and plasma norepinephrine content suggests that circulating catecholamines may stimulate melatonin synthesis under cold load.Abbreviations NAT N-acetyltransferase - NE norepinephrine - Ta ambient temperature |
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Keywords: | Pineal gland Melatonin Photoperiod Ambient temperature Norepinephrine |
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