The effect of pinealectomy on hibernation in two species of seasonal hibernators,Citellus lateralis andC. richardsonii
✍ Scribed by Harlow, Henry J. ;Phillips, John A. ;Ralph, Charles L.
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 1980
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 258 KB
- Volume
- 213
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0022-104X
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✦ Synopsis
Abstract
Pinealectomies and radical sham pinealectomies were performed on golden‐mantled and Richardson's ground squirrels approximately 1 month prior to the date of normal immergence for each species. Pinealectomy did not disrupt the hibernating rhythm of either species. These results suggest (1) that the pineal is not required for torpor to be initiated or maintained, (2) that either melatonin is not required for hibernation or another melatonin‐producing organ compensates for the loss of the pineal, and (3) that the influence of the pineal is seasonal and had already acted prior to its surgical removal.