Similarity between the effects of suprachiasmatic nuclei lesions and of pinealectomy on gonadotropin release in ovariectomized, sulpiride-treated and melatonin-replaced rats.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of pineal indole treatments on LH and FSH release in pinealectomized and suprachiasmatic lesioned and ovariectomized rats rendered hyperprolactinemic by acute sulpiride treatment. Pinealectomy or suprachiasmatic nuclei lesions in female rats both decreased plasma LH and FHS at 10, but not at 20 d after surgery, whereas the daily afternoon administration of melatonin effectively restored levels of both gonadotropins to control values. In ovariectomized rats, pinealectomy or suprachiasmatic nuclei lesions were ineffective in counteracting the high plasma levels of LH and FSH. However, sulpiride treatment in both pinealectomized and suprachiasmatic nuclei lesioned and castrated female rats significantly decreased the levels of LH and FSH, an effect which was counteracted by daily afternoon melatonin administration. Other pineal indoles tested, i.e., 5-hydroxy- and 5-methoxytryptophol, were ineffective in regulating gonadotropin levels. The results suggest that the pineal gland, through its hormone melatonin, can modulate gonadotropin secretion by acting on a dopamine mechanism independent of hypothalamic suprachiasmatic areas.