Effect of the pineal gland on 5-hydroxytryptamine and γ- aminobutyric acid secretion in the hippocampus of male rats during the summer and winter
- Author:
Li TING
1
;
Wang HAILU
;
Zhang HEWEI
;
Liu LEILEI
;
Li PEIPEI
;
Ma SHURAN
Author Information
1. School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
- Keywords:
Melatonin;
5-Hydroxytryptamine;
γ-aminobutyric acid;
Photoperiod;
Rats;
Seasonal rhythm;
Pineal excision
- From:
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences
2020;7(3):283-290
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of seasonal variation on neurotransmitter release in the hippocampus of normal rats and rats with pineal excision. Methods: Two time points, the summer and winter solstice, which are the longest and shortest days of the year, respectively, were selected. Male Sprague-Dawley rats that underwent a sham operation without pineal excision were included as a control group. The concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were determined by radioimmunoassays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. Results: In the winter, the 5-HT and GABA levels in normal rats exhibited a significant difference compared with those in the operation group (P < .01). A difference was also noted in GABA levels be-tween the normal group and the sham operation group (P<.05). The concentrations of 5-HT and GABA in the hippocampal tissues of the normal group exhibited a seasonal rhythm consisting of elevation during the summer and reduction during the winter (P < .01), while the GABA levels in the sham operation group exhibited a significant difference, with elevation during the summer and reduction during the winter (P<.01). In the operation group, GABA showed the same trend (P<.01). Conclusion: The seasonal rhythm of neurotransmitter secretion by the hippocampus (5-HT and GABA) consisted of elevation during the summer and reduction during the winter. During the winter, the pineal gland exhibited a reverse regulatory effect on the secretion of 5-HT and GABA in the hippocampus, and it exhibited seasonal selectivity with regard to the regulation of 5-HT.
