Neuroendocrine function in long-term pinealectomized male rats, following visual and audiogenic stress

Intact, sham-pinealectomized and pinealectomized adult male rats were maintained for 10 weeks on a light : dark (L : D) cycle of 12 : 12,with lights on at 6 a.m. Subsequently they were acutely exposed to (1) visual or (2) audiogenic stress for periods of 2 or 30 min, immediately following which they were decapitated and serum ACTH, corticosterone, FHS, LH, PRL and TSH concentrations were determined. Serum ACTH and corticosterone levels were similar in control and operated groups following both types of stresses. Serum FSH and LH concentrations were elevated in pinealectomized animals as compared to controls, following 30 min of exposure to visual stimulation; no difference in these parameters was observed between the groups following audiogenic stress. Serum PRL levels tended to be lower in pinealectomized animals following both stresses. Serum TSH concentrations following visual stimulation were similar in all groups, but audiogenic stimulation resulted in elevated TSH levels as compared to controls. These data demonstrate that the pineal gland plays an integral role in the responses of the parvicellular neuroendocrine axes to acute neurogenic stress. Possible molecular bases for this involvement are discussed.