The effects of pinealectomy and superior cervical ganglionectomy on the testis of the vole, Microtus agrestis

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Abstract
The effect of pinealectomy on testicular activity was investigated, and observations were made on voles [M. agrestis] in which both superior cervical ganglia were removed. Results indicate that the pineal gland is involved in light-induced gonadal changes in M. agrestis and that an intact sympathetic nerve supply from the superior cervical ganglion is necessary for this aspect of pineal function. Inhibition by the pineal in immature animals was on a gonad with minimal development in terms of spermatogenic and androgenic activity. The testes of mature animals contained abundant spermatozoa and active interstitial tissue, and immature and adult animals responded differently.