RAT ACCESSORY SEX GLANDS RESPONSE TO OXYTOCIN UNDER DIFFERENT LIGHT REGIMES

Effects of oxytocin (0.25 IU OT/100 g/d for 3 days) on accessory sex g lands structure and catecholamine content were examined in rats kept o n two different light regimes. In 12 h light/12 h dark conditions vent ral prostate responded to OT by a regression of the epithelial compone nt and an increase in dopamine content. Coagulating gland structure wa s not affected, but noradrenaline content of the seminal vesicle + coa gulating gland complex was enhanced. Constant lighting per se caused a trophic changes in the prostatic epithelium, evident by decreased tota l volume and by increased percentage of acini containing cuboidal epit helium. OT treatment considerably prevented the epithelial atrophy wit hout affecting catecholamines level. In the seminal vesicle + coagulat ing gland complex it reduced the dopamine content. Since this light re gime elevated the plasma ACTH, the altered accessory sex gland respons e to OT seems to be due to the stress-induced changes in the neuro-end ocrine factors conditioning their function. The effects of OT on acces sory glands catecholamine content indicate interferences with their au tonomic control.