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Influence of melatonin on pubertal development in male deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus)
Abstract:
The role of melatonin in pubertal development was assessed in male deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii) exposed to photoperiodic and social stimuli. Exogenous melatonin retarded puberty in males reared in a long photoperiod, but was without effect in males reared in short days. Melatonin did not retard pubertal development induced by exposure of short-day males to an adult female. These results suggest that pineal melatonin mediates photoperiodic, but not social, control of pubertal development.
Insights
Pineal melatonin influences pubertal development in male deer mice based on light exposure. Melatonin affects puberty under long days but not short days, and does not impact social cues.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Animal behavior
Background:
- Pubertal development is influenced by environmental cues.
- The pineal gland hormone melatonin plays a role in seasonal reproduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of melatonin in mediating photoperiodic and social control of pubertal development in male deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii).
Main Methods:
- Male deer mice were exposed to different photoperiods (long and short days).
- Exogenous melatonin was administered to some mice.
- Social stimuli (exposure to an adult female) were introduced to short-day exposed mice.
Main Results:
- Exogenous melatonin significantly retarded pubertal development in males reared under a long photoperiod.
- Melatonin had no significant effect on pubertal development in males reared under a short photoperiod.
- Exposure to an adult female did not alter the effect of melatonin on pubertal development in short-day males.
Conclusions:
- Pineal melatonin appears to mediate photoperiodic control over pubertal development in male deer mice.
- Melatonin does not seem to mediate the social control of pubertal development in this species.
- Environmental factors like photoperiod and social cues interact with hormonal regulation during puberty.