Effect of variable temperatures, darkness and light on the secretion of melatonin by pineal explants in the gecko, Christinus marmoratus

Abstract

This study examined the combined effect of thermocycles with either variable or constant photic conditions on melatonin production by pineal organs in vitro in the gecko, Christinus marmoratus. A 30 degrees C:15 degrees C thermocycle elicited a rhythm of melatonin production under conditions of 12L:12D, constant light or constant darkness when the cryophase coincided with the dark phase of the photocycle or with the subjective night. A 6 h advance of the thermocycle with respect to the photocycle produced an advance in the onset and offset of melatonin production in subsequent nights. When the thermocycle was 180 degrees out of phase with the photoperiod, the rhythm of melatonin production was disrupted, suggesting a differential pattern of sensitivity to photothermal stimuli. It was concluded that both light and temperature are important modulators of pineal function although their combined effects on pineal melatonin production is complex and unclear.