Abstract
Melatonin synthesis (HIOMT activity) was followed in 12-week-old male rats for 31 days after exposure to 350 r of whole-body x-irradiation. Melatonin synthesis was diminished in rate during the first 24 hrs., but from day-4 through day-19 melatonin synthesis was increased. From day-22 to day-31 melatonin synthesis did not differ from the sham-irradiated animals. Exposure of irradiated rats to 350 r of x-irradiation diminished testicular weight. Placing irradiated rats in constant darkness for 25 days after treatment increased the weight loss that was additive to the irradiation effect. Melatonin synthesis was decreased in these animals when compared to either the control or irradiated rats placed in normal lighting. Placing rats in constant darkness or constant light for 6 days prior to and 19 days after irradiation with 450 r both resulted in an radioprotective effect on the testis. Only the constant-light treated rats showed a change in melatonin synthesis at the time of necropsy, and it was decreased below either the control or irradiated groups.
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