Seasonal changes and annual variability in daily plasma melatonin in the red-sided garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis)

General and Comparative Endocrinology
Mary T MendonçaD Crews

Abstract

We report seasonal and annual variation in the daily cycle of plasma melatonin levels in male red-sided garter snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis. In autumn of 1989 and 1990, levels averaged a maximum of 210 pg/ml during scotophase and a minimum of 45 pg/ml during photophase and had a similar diel pattern. Under hibernation conditions (4 degrees, 0:24 L:D), melatonin was undetectable and a diel cycle could not be determined. In Spring 1990, melatonin levels rose rapidly and precipitously within an hour of emergence (while in photophase), peaked at levels significantly higher than those seen in the autumn (approximately 900 pg/ml) and remained significantly high for 24 hr after emergence (though the majority of animals did have decreased levels at the 0400 sample). By the 10th day after emergence, a diel cycle was reestablished and absolute melatonin levels had decreased. The next spring (1991), melatonin again rose within an hour after emergence, while in photophase, but not as high as the previous year. Also unlike the previous year, a diel cycle was observed within 24 hr of emergence. Melatonin levels at emergence were significantly higher than those observed 10 days later. Disruption of a diel rhythm of plasma melatonin ...Continue Reading

Citations

Jun 17, 2011·Standards in Genomic Sciences·Todd A CastoeWesley C Warren
Jul 8, 2008·Progress in Neurobiology·Zachary M WeilRandy J Nelson
May 23, 2002·Hormones and Behavior·Tim S JessopJoan M Whittier
May 23, 2002·Hormones and Behavior·Cristiano BertolucciThomas J Van't Hof
Jun 1, 1997·General and Comparative Endocrinology·G A Bubenik, S F Pang
Jul 9, 2009·Journal of Comparative Physiology. B, Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology·Bruce T FirthDavid J Kennaway
Jul 28, 2005·Journal of Comparative Physiology. B, Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology·Frank Seebacher, Craig E Franklin
May 25, 1999·Progress in Neurobiology·J Falcón

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