RESPONSE OF WEEK OLD SQUIRREL PUPS TO MELATONIN AND 5-METHOXYTRYPTAMINE INJECTION

Considerable evidence indicates that methoxyindoles do influence the gonadal system in adult F. pennanti, however nothing is known about its effect in neonates. Hence, this study was planned to determine whether neonatal melatonin (aMT) and 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MT) injection can bring changes in gonad and body weight. Injection of aMT on eighth day of post-partum age, resulted in 50% decrease in body weight, while 5-MT was ineffective. Treatment with aMT and 5-MT had inhibited ovary, uterus and thyroid weight, while an increased pineal and adrenal weight was noted. Plasma aMT level increased significantly in both aMT and 5-MT treated pups, while estradiol level was very low. This suggest that aMT could not dissociate its inhibitory effect on growth as well as ovary when injected after critical period.