Seasonal variations in the daily rhythm of pineal gland and/or circulating melatonin and 5-methoxytryptophol concentrations in the European hamster, Cricetus cricetus

Abstract

Day-night variations in pineal and/or circulating melatonin and 5-methoxytryptophol (5-ML) concentrations were measured monthly throughout the year in female European hamsters, Cricetus cricetus, maintained under natural conditions. Pronounced seasonal variations in the day-night rhythm of both melatonin and 5-ML were observed. As previously reported for melatonin, the daily rhythm of both methoxyindoles disappeared in spring and early summer, while a clear day-night rhythm occured in autumn, winter, and early spring. The amplitude of the day-night variations appeared to be maximum from October until January. An inverse relationship existed between the rhythms of melatonin and 5-ML.