作者: Pierre C. Sizonenko , Ursula Lang , Robert W. Rivest , Michel L. Aubert
DOI: 10.1002/9780470720981.CH13
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摘要: The pineal gland, through its major secretory product melatonin, influences seasonal breeding in species such as the hamster and sheep. Recent studies from our laboratory have shown that melatonin also affects sexual development rat. A role for humans has not yet been found. rat is sensitive to daily administration of at beginning maturation. male most between day 20 30 life. Melatonin does permanently inhibit maturation, since normal but delayed occurs after 45 days life whether discontinued or maintained indefinitely. In female rats, injection during prepubertal period delays vaginal opening disrupts cyclicity first oestrous cycles. both inhibitory action highly dependent upon time injection, with maximal effects when given late photoperiod. likely exerted hypothalamic level, possibly interference control pulsatile secretion gonadotropin-releasing hormone. contrast some published work, experiments provide no evidence modifications diurnal nocturnal puberty humans. Our results indicate may be an important factor timing