Natural and synthetic analogues of melatonin and related compounds I. Effects on the reproductive system of the male Syrian hamster

B. A. Richardson, Mary K. Vaughan, L. J. Petterborg, Linda Y. Johnson, T. S. King, I. Smith, R. J. Reiter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

The potential antigonadotrophic properties of a number of synthetic and natural melatonin analogues were examined. Adult male hamsters received daily subcutaneous injections (25 μg/animal/day) each afternoon for 7 or 10 weeks. The only analogue to possess antigonadotrophic activity similar to melatonin was 6-chloromelatonin; melatonin and 6-chloromelatonin produced a significant reduction in both testicular and accessory sex organ weights, plasma LH and pituitary prolactin. These results suggest that, in the Syrian hamster, 6-chloromelatonin acts as a melatonin agonist and may be of use to elucidate further the physiological role of melatonin.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)187-197
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Neural Transmission
Volume56
Issue number2-3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1983

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Biological Psychiatry

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