Effects of bilateral ganglionectomy and melatonin replacement on seasonal rhythm of testicular activity in Zembra Island wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Mm. Ben Saad et D. Maurel, Effects of bilateral ganglionectomy and melatonin replacement on seasonal rhythm of testicular activity in Zembra Island wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), REPRODUCT, 121(2), 2001, pp. 323-329
This study examined the effects of subcutaneous melatonin implants on testi
cular activity (testis volume and plasma testosterone) in wild rabbits (Ory
ctolagus cuniculus) captured on Zembra Island (North Tunisia) and maintaine
d in natural temperature and photoperiod conditions. The period of testicul
ar activity was 2 months longer in intact animals with melatonin implants t
han in intact animals without melatonin implants. After bilateral superior
cervical ganglionectomy, testicular activity was inhibited and no spontaneo
us recrudescence in gonadal function was observed during the 13 months of t
he experiment, demonstrating the absence of an endogenous circannual rhythm
of reproductive function in this species. Renewed testicular activity was
observed 2 months after the insertion of melatonin implants in ganglionecto
mized animals. These results confirm that testicular activity is stimulated
by short days in late autumn and that melatonin reactivates the reproducti
ve axis in this species. This finding is in contrast to that in continental
populations of wild rabbits in which reproduction is inhibited by short da
ys or melatonin. These results are discussed in terms of insularity and may
reflect the geographical isolation of this population.