Hormonal regulation of feather pigmentation in African weaver birds: the exclusion of certain possible mechanisms.

Abstract

AbstractAn earlier paper (Hall et al., '65) presented evidence to show that in producing pigmented feathers in the weaver bird, interstitial cell‐stimulating hormone (ICSH or LH) does not act locally upon the feathers. The present paper describes our further search for the site of action of the hormone. It is concluded as the result of these experiments that ICSH is unlikely to act via the hypothalamus, the adrenal, the thyroid or the pineal. Evidence is also presented to suggest that synthetic α‐MSH does not produce black feathers and that extensive damage to the pituitary (short of total destruction) by means of electrocautery does not alter the response to ICSH. The site of action of ICSH in producing pigmented feathers remains unknown but the possibilities are now reduced.