Brain receptors sensitive to indole compounds: function in control of luteinizing hormone secretion.

The placement of melatonin and of 5-hydroxytryptophol in the median eminence of castrated male rats is followed 5 days later by a significant decrease in pituitary stores of luteinizing hormone. Pituitary reserve of this hormone is also depleted after the implantation of melatonin, 5-hydroxytryptophol, and 5-methoxytryptophol in the reticular formation of the midbrain. It is suggested that these indole compounds, which are normally synthesized in the pineal gland, may intervene in the control of the secretion of luteinizing hormone, possibly by acting on specific receptors localized in the median eminence and in the midbrain.