5-Hydroxytryptophan Decarboxylase Activity in the Rat Pineal Gland During the First 20 Days of Postnatal Life: Effect of Light

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Abstract
The present study deals with the 5-HTPD activity in the rat pineal gland from birth up to the 20th day of life, as well as the effect of constant light or darkness from birth and of substrate administration on enzyme activity during this period. No activity was found on the first day of life. However, in 3-, 6-, and 10-day-old animals, the 5-HTPD activity corresponded to 1/12, 1/3, and ½, respectively, of the adult values. Enzymatic activity in the pineal gland of 6- and 10-day-old rats kept from birth under constant light conditions was significantly higher than in control animals kept under alternate 12-h periods of light and darkness. No modifications in the developmental pattern of 5-HTPD was observed under constant darkness conditions, or after the administration of substrate. 5-HT content increased 45 min after the application of 5-HTP, only in 20-day-old rats.

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