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Light Suppression of Melatonin in the Squirrel Monkey ( Saimiri sciureus )
Author(s) -
Hoban Tana M.,
Lewy Alfred. J.,
Fuller Charles A.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of pineal research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1600-079X
pISSN - 0742-3098
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-079x.1990.tb00689.x
Subject(s) - melatonin , saimiri sciureus , squirrel monkey , endocrinology , medicine , circadian rhythm , biology , chemistry , anatomy
This study examined plasma melatonin levels and the suppressant effect of light on melatonin production in the squirrel monkey. Monkeys were maintained on a 12: 12 light‐dark cycle (LD 12: 12) with lights on from 07:00 to 19:00. Plasma levels of melatonin were determined by gas chromatography negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Melatonin levels at 00:00 (99.5 ± 18.9 pg/ml) were significantly higher than at 02:00 (57.21 ± 7.7 pg/ml; Student's t = 2.859; P ≤ 0.021). Baseline values at 02:00 were compared with levels at the same time of day after exposure to 2 hours of 200 lux of light (30.6 ± 13.1 pg/ml), which caused an average suppression of 54.8% in melatonin levels. One animal did not show light suppression. Results indicated that the squirrel monkey suppressant response to light, as well as baseline values of melatonin, varied between animals.