THE EFFECT OF BLINDING AND PINEALECTOMY IN UNILATERALLY OVARIECTOMIZED RATS

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Abstract
Bilateral optic enucleation was observed to block partially the hypertrophy of the remaining ovary in unilaterally ovariectomized rats of a Charles River, CD strain. The inhibitory effects of blinding on compensatory ovarian hypertrophy (COH) were reversed when pinealectomy was performed at the same time as bilateral optic enucleation, three weeks prior to unilateral ovariectomy. Sham pinealectomy was without effect. When only pinealectomy was performed, a slight increase in COH was observed. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were estimated by a modification of the Steelman-Pohley bioassay in control, blinded, blindedpinealectomized and pinealectomized rats following unilateral ovariectomy. The increase in serum FSH at four days was blocked by blinding, an effect which was abolished by coupling pinealectomy with optic enucleation. Pinealectomy alone was followed by an increase in serum FSH slightly above control values. These experiments demonstrate the blockage of COH by blinding and the mediation of this effect of blinding by the pineal gland. They further suggest that the increased secretion of FSH into the blood following unilateral ovariectomy is reduced under pineal influence.

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