Action spectrum for photoperiodic control of thyroid-stimulating hormone in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).

ABSTRACT: At higher latitudes, vertebrates exhibit a seasonal cycle of reproduction in response to changes in day-length, referred to as photoperiodism. Extended day-length induces thyroid-stimulating hormone in the pars tuberalis of the pituitary gland. This hormone triggers the local activation of thyroid hormone in the mediobasal hypothalamus and eventually induces gonadal development. In avian species, light information associated with day-length is detected through photoreceptors located in deep-brain regions. Within these regions, the expressions of multiple photoreceptive molecules, opsins, have been observed. However, even though the Japanese quail is an excellent model for photoperiodism because of its robust and significant seasonal responses in reproduction, a comprehensive understanding

SUBMITTER: Nakane Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6738599 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature