Gonadal responses to food restriction in intact and pinealectomized male golden hamsters

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Male golden hamsters underfed for 11-6 wk showed a 30% decrease in body weight accompanied by significant testicular regression. Pinealectomy did not prevent underfeeding-induced gonadal regression. Resumption of ad-libitum feeding restored body weight to near control levels and permitted testicular redevelopment in animals with previously regressed testes. Chronic food restriction can affect the reproductive status of hamsters and that this effect does not depend on an intact pineal gland. Body weight changes may serve as a secondary proximate cue in addition to photoperiod for timing the hamster seasonal breeding cycle.