Photoperiod effects on body mass, body composition, growth hormone, and thyroid hormones in male collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of photoperiod on serum levels of growth hormone (GH) and thyroid hormones (TH), body mass, and body composition in collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus). Collared lemmings undergo seasonal changes in body mass and body composition, being heavier, but relatively less fat, during the winter months. These physiological changes can be induced in the laboratory by exposure to short photoperiod. The present study tests the hypothesis that photoperiod-mediated changes in GH and TH occur simultaneously with, and therefore may regulate or be permissive to, changes in body mass and body composition. Juvenile (19 d of age) or adult (50 d of age) male collared lemmings reared in long photoperiod (LD), 22 h light (L): 2 h dark (D), either remained in LD or were transferred to short photoperiod (SD), 8 h L: 16 h D. After 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks (juveniles) or 1 and 3 weeks (adults) of treatment, animals were sacrificed. Serum levels of GH, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine were determined. Carcasses were weighed and analyzed for absolute and relative (analysis of covariance) fat-free dry mass, fat, and water. Exposure to SD resulted in an increase in GH, a decrease in TH, an increase in body mass (due to an absolute increase in all body components), a relative decrease in fat mass, and a relative increase in body water. Results are compatible with the hypothesis that a SD-mediated increase in GH is involved in the greater body mass gain observed in SD animals. Decreases in TH resulting from SD exposure, if associated with a decrease in heat production, may be permissive to mass gain.