In this paper, we have investigated the influence of melatonin on the histology and porphyrin content of the Syrian hamster Harderian glands. Daily afternoon injections of 25 micrograms of melatonin to female hamsters for 12 weeks resulted in the discontinuity of estrous cyclicity, a marked decrease in the Harderian gland intraluminal area occupied by porphyrins, and in a significant rise in the number of Type II cells. A similar decrease in porphyrins was observed after 8 weeks of ovariectomy. However, if the melatonin injections were given for only 8 weeks (without inducing gonadal atrophy), no changes were observed in the area occupied by intraluminal porphyrins, suggesting that the effects of melatonin in female Syrian hamsters might be associated with the subsequent gonadal atrophy. Castration of male hamsters induced a significant increase in porphyrins and a clear drop in the number of Type II cells. These changes were totally prevented when melatonin was administered daily from the day of castration. Our results suggest that melatonin, at least in male Syrian hamsters, plays a role in Harderian metabolism, acting directly on the Harderian secretory cells or indirectly through pituitary hormones.

The possible role of melatonin in the regulation of the reproductive system of female rats during ageing was investigated in middle-aged female rats showing irregular duration of the oestrous cycle (n = 30). Blood samples were obtained by jugular venepuncture during the oestrous cycle in control rats. After this experiment was completed, the female rats were treated with melatonin for 2 months and blood samples were obtained at different stages of the oestrous cycle. Plasma LH, FSH and prolactin concentrations were significantly increased in the afternoon of the day of pro-oestrus after melatonin treatment compared with control rats. Moreover, FSH concentrations too were significantly increased on the morning of pro-oestrus and oestrus in melatonin treated rats compared with control rats. Similarly, oestradiol concentrations were significantly higher on the morning of pro-oestrus in melatonin treated rats compared with controls. Another group of rats showing irregular duration of the oestrous cycle was used to study the possible effect of melatonin treatment on the timing of pro-oestrous surges of LH and FSH. The results showed that LH and FSH peak values occurred at 5 h after melatonin treatment. Pituitary responsiveness to LHRH in a 90 min test was also studied in middle-aged rats showing irregular duration of the oestrous cycle that had been injected for 1 month with either melatonin or saline. Prolactin response was unaffected by exogenous melatonin, but a stimulatory effect of melatonin on LH and FSH pituitary responsiveness to LHRH was observed. The results indicate an improved function of the neuroendocrine-reproductive axis in middle-aged rats after melatonin treatment.

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We have investigated the development of the Harderian glands of female Syrian hamsters from birth to 8 months of age. The effects of melatonin injections on Harderian gland histology and porphyrin deposits of female hamsters exposed to two different temperatures were also studied. The morphology of the Harderian glands from 30-day-old female hamsters resembled those of sexually mature adult animals. The intraluminal area occupied by porphyrins increased significantly between 20 to 30 days of age. However, the relative number of mast cells per mm2 rose between 30 to 90 days. Both porphyrins and mast cell numbers appeared clearly reduced in the 8-month-old group. Secretory cells characterized by large lipid droplets (type II cells) were not observed. Daily afternoon injections of 25 micrograms of melatonin to female hamsters exposed to 22 degrees C for 14 weeks resulted in the discontinuity of estrous cyclicity, a marked decrease in the intraluminal area occupied by porphyrins, a reduction of the number of mast cells per mm2, and in a marked augmentation of the number of type II cells per mm2. Although the administration of similar dosages of melatonin to hamsters exposed to an environmental temperature of 32 degrees C did not interrupt estrous cycles, a clear reduction of the area occupied by porphyrins was observed. However, the number of mast cells and type II cells per mm2 was unaffected in these animals. Our results suggest that hormones other than ovarian steroids are involved in the regulation of the female hamster Harderian glands. The possible role of melatonin on Harderian gland metabolism is discussed.

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