The Photoperiod-Driven Cyclical Secretion of Pineal Melatonin Regulates Seasonal Reproduction in Geese (Anser cygnoides).

ABSTRACT: The photoperiod is the predominant environmental factor that governs seasonal reproduction in animals; however, the underlying molecular regulatory mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. Herein, Yangzhou geese (Anser cygnoides) were selected at the spring equinox (SE), summer solstice (SS), autumn equinox (AE), and winter solstice (WS), and the regulation of seasonal reproduction via the light-driven cyclical secretion of pineal melatonin was investigated. We show that there were seasonal variations in the laying rate and GSI, while the ovarian area decreased 1.5-fold from the SS to the AE. Moreover, not only did the weight and volume of the pineal gland increase with a shortened photoperiod, but the secretory activity was also enhanced. Notably, tissue distribution further revea

SUBMITTER: Bao Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10419153 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature