Daily rhythms in the hormone content of the neurohypophysial system and release of oxytocin and vasopressin in the male rat: effect of constant light

Abstract

Patterns of neurohypophysial hormone secretion and changes in the hormone content of the hypothalamus and posterior pituitary lobe were monitored in the male rat for cycles of 24 h in association with changes in food and water intake and fluid excretion. Plasma oxytocin and vasopressin concentrations were seen to rise significantly over the hours of daylight, decreasing during the night. Parallel changes were seen in the immunoreactive material in the hypothalamus, whilst the content of the neurohypophysis was inversely related to plasma concentrations. The ratio of plasma oxytocin:vasopressin reached a significant peak at about 02.00 h which might be related to the feeding activity of the rats, food and water intake being largely confined to the night, as was fluid excretion. On exposure to constant light, despite initial disruption hormonal rhythms were still seen but showed a phase shift. The relationships between plasma and tissue levels were maintained. Patterns of food and water intake and urinary excretion were little affected by exposure to constant light, remaining largely confined to the former night phase. The hormonal rhythms appeared to be more closely related to the activity of the rats, which also showed a phase shift during constant light.