Photoperiodic Influcence on the Morphology and the Androgen Receptor Level of the Ventral Prostate Gland and Seminal Vesicles of the Djungarian Hamster (Phodopus sungorus)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The influence of long (light : darkness LD 16:8) and short (LD 8:16) photoperiods on the morphology of the ventral prostate gland and the seminal vesicles of the Djungarian hamster was investigated. At LD 8:16, the wet weight of the glands was reduced to 15-20% of the values found in animals living in LD 16:8 conditions, the protein content was reduced to 3-4%. The glands showed distinct signs of atrophy and inactivity under short-day conditions. The androgen receptor levels were determined in both accessory sex glands. The receptor levels were comparable in both glands; the absolute values related to the whole glands remained about constant in animals living in long and short photoperiods despite a reduction of the androgen levels in short photoperiods.