Effects of Castration and Reproductive Hormones on Pineal Serotonin Metabolism in Rats

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Abstract

The effects of reproductive hormones on pineal serotonin (5-HT) metabolism were examined in castrated rats. Castration of males but not of females increased 5-HT content, whereas follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) augmented, and testosterone (T) decreased, pineal 5-HT concentration of orchidectomized rats. In males castration slowed the rate of decline of pineal amine concentration following the injection of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). The administration of T, FSH or LH brought about significant acceleration of pineal 5-HT turnover rate. In spayed rats estradiol treatment decreased 5-HT decline following PCPA. Pineal monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity type B (assaying by using β-phenylethylamine as substrate) was increased by T injection whereas estradiol diminished MAO type A activity (assaying by using 5-HT as substrate). The administration of prolactin to castrated male rats resulted in depression of both types of MAO activity while LH and FSH reduced the activity of MAO type B. The injection of T to rats subjected to superior cervical ganglionectomy counteracted partially the depressed pineal 5-HT levels caused by surgical manipulation. LH or FSH also augmented pineal 5-HT concentration in ganglion-ectomized rats. Bilateral decentralization of ganglia abolished hormone effects on amine levels. These results offer additional support to previous observations indicating that the pineal gland and its innervating sympathetic neurons are effector tissues for reproductive hormones.

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Author and article information

Journal

Journal ID (publisher-id): NEN

Journal ID (nlm-ta): Neuroendocrinology

Journal ID (doi): 10.1159/issn.0028-3835

Title: Neuroendocrinology

Publisher: S. Karger AG

ISSN (Print): 0028-3835

ISSN (Electronic): 1423-0194

Publication date Subscription-year: 1979

Publication date (Print): 1979

Publication date (Electronic): 26 March 2008

Volume: 28

Issue: 3

Pages: 187-195

Affiliations

Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y de Principios Naturales (CEFAPRIN) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires

Article

Publisher ID: 122861 Other ID: Neuroendocrinology 1979;28:187–195

DOI: 10.1159/000122861

PubMed ID: 154619

SO-VID: 6348a8ca-db3c-407f-8ef8-d1188a62b2bf

License:

Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug. Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.

History

Date received : 03 May 1978

Date accepted : 15 August 1978

Page count

Pages: 9

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