Effect Of Optic Enucleation, Pinealectomy And Melatonin Administration On The Testis, Seminal Vesicles And Ventral Prostate Of Adult Rat.
F I Duru and K.A Ogbeche

SUMMARY

Background: The pineal gland in the mammalian organism has an unusual sympathetic innervation which allows the gland to be an active neuro-endocrine organ, responding to both photic and hormonal stimuli and exhibiting circadian rhythms. There is ample evidence to suggest that the reproductive functions of the hypothalamus may be under inhibitory control of the brain via the pineal secretory product melatonin. :

Methods: Experiment was carried out to study the effect of optic enucleation, pinealectomy and melatonin administration on the testis, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate of rat using stereological techniques to quantify changes.

Results: Data obtained showed a significant decrease in the weight of these organs with a concomitant decrease in their surface area, perimeter and epithelial – cell height of the seminiferous tubules (p<0.05). Also, treated animals showed a significant increase in the thickness of the tunica albuginea of the testis.

Conclusion: The results suggest that optic enucleation, pinealectomy and melatonin administration produce a disruption of the normal micro-architecture of the testis, seminal vesicles and prostate. All these changes are consistent with impaired testicular physiology. Niger Med J. 2003; Vol 45 (1):

KEYWORDS: Optic Enucleation, Pinealectomy, Melatonin