Effects of pinealectomy and melatonin or 5-methoxytryptamine on testicular LH and PRL receptors in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

The pineal has been previously shown to be an important factor in the regulation of testicular function in photoperiodic mammals. The effects of lack or increase in pineal hormones on testicular hormonal receptors has, therefore, been examined. Pinealectomy decreased the concentration of testicular LH receptors in hamsters exposed to either a long or short photoperiod but had no effect on the concentration of testicular PRL receptors. In animals exposed to a short photoperiod, pinealectomy prevented testicular regression and the concomitant decreases in total LH and PRL receptor contents. Treatment for 12 weeks with either melatonin or 5-methoxytryptamine caused a decrease in testicular PRL receptor levels, whereas the only changes in LH receptor levels were due to melatonin-induced testicular regression. The present results indicate that some of the effects of pineal hormones on the testes are independent of the pineal-induced changes in testes mass and are the consequence of long-term action. Furthermore, testicular function appears to be affected by both the lack or the increase in pineal hormones.