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Photoperiodic effects in the Djungarian hamster: one minute of light during darktime mimics influence of long photoperiods on testicular recrudescence, body weight and pelage colour

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Summary

In male Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) short photoperiods (L/D 8/16) with additional 1- or 5-min light-pulses 8 h after light-off were as effective as long photoperiods (L/D 16/8) in stimulating testicular recrudescence, increase in body weight and moult into summer pelage. The results are discussed with regard to the hypothesis that the pattern of melatonin release from the pineal gland is important in mediating photoperiodic effects in mammals.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Abt. Aschoff, Max-Planck-Institut für Verhaltensphysiologie, D-8131, Andechs, (Federal Republic of Germany)

    K. Hoffmann

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  1. K. Hoffmann
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Supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Schwerpunktprogramm Biologie der Zeitmessung.

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Hoffmann, K. Photoperiodic effects in the Djungarian hamster: one minute of light during darktime mimics influence of long photoperiods on testicular recrudescence, body weight and pelage colour. Experientia 35, 1529–1530 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01962828

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01962828

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