Abstract
The monoamine oxide inhibitor tranylcypromine (TCP) increases brain dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT) levels and inhibits photoperiodically-induced testicular growth in quail. Blockade of catecholamine synthesis by α-methyl-tyrosine (MT) in TCP treated quail preferentially elevates 5-HT levels and does not interfere with TCP inhibition of the gonads, however, treatment with parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA) reduces 5-HT and DA and antagonizes the action of TCP. Treatment with PCPA alone causes further augmentation of testicular response to photostimulation and reduces 5-HT and DA levels in the brain, whereas 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) administration elevates central 5-HT stores and partially inhibits testicular development. The results are consistent with the view that 5-HT may have an inhibitory effect on the process of gonadal development; in addition, an inhibitory influence of DA may also be involved.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 198-203 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Biology of reproduction |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1978 |