Day/night rhythmicity in the methylating capacities for different 5-hydroxyindoles in the pineal, the retina and the Harderian gland of the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) during the annual seasons.

In the pineal, the Harderian gland and the retina of the golden hamster the day/night capacity for the synthesis of different methoxyindoles is investigated under natural conditions for one 24-hour period in the months of December, March and June. The amounts of the methoxyindoles and the diurnal rhythms in the synthesis are different in the various months during which the tests were performed. There is a striking increase in the synthesis of melatonin and methoxytryptophol in all three organs in June as compared with December. Equally striking is the high synthesis of methoxytryptamine in the pineal in June, whereas this compound was not formed in the Harderian gland and the retina in this month. Methoxytryptophan synthesis was not observed in June in any of the three organs. Methoxyindoleacetic acid rhythmicity shows a pattern more or less identical to that of melatonin and methoxytryptophol. A high synthesis exists at the end of the June day, but greater fluctuations during the days of the two other months. Acetylmethoxytryptophol is synthesized in the pineal during the night in March, but in the late afternoon in June. The largest quantity of this compound is found in the Harderian gland in December, in the pineal in March and in the retina in June. The largest amounts of melatonin and methoxytryptophol are synthesized when gonadal weight is largest. The possible correlation between the amounts synthesized, the rhythmicities in synthesis and the reproductive system is discussed.