ISSN:
1420-9071
Keywords:
Pinealectomy
;
suprachiasmatic nuclei lesions
;
ovariectomy
;
melatonin
;
prolactin
;
sulpiride-treated rats
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Previous studies indicate that the pineal gland alters prolactin secretion, and it was suggested that at least part of the effect of the pineal hormone melatonin on prolactin release may be mediated by the hypothalamic structures. In this study, pinealectomy and lesions of the suprachiasmatic nuclei were found to alter serum levels of prolactin in the same direction, an effect that was counteracted by daily afternoon melatonin administration. Melatonin, but not other pineal indoles, also prevented sulpiride-induced prolactin secretion in pinealectomized or suprachiasmatic nuclei-lesioned and ovariectomized rats, which suggested that the pineal gland can modulate prolactin secretion by acting through a dopamine mechanism independent of hypothalamic suprachiasmatic structures.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01974574
