Effect of Pinealectomy on Circadian Rhythm of Spermatogenesis

Abstract

The mitotic index of spermatogonia and 24-h dynamics of stages IV, VI, and XIV of spermatogenic cycle are characterized by circadian rhythm. No circadian rhythm was detected for 11 of 14 stages. Pinealectomy led to an increase of the mitotic index of spermatogonia but did not modulate the incidence of spermatogenic cycle stages, and led to disappearance of the circadian rhythm of both the mitotic index and spermatogenic cycle stages.

A method for extirpation of the pineal gand in albino rats

“…The procedure of animal fixation and removal of the gland takes 10 min and is performed by one worker, while the other sutures the skin wound. We operated about 1500 animals by this method for evaluating the role of the pineal gland in regulation of circadian rhythm of proliferation and spermatogenesis [1][2][3][4][5].…”