Conclusions
Stress modifies the neurohormonal balance of biogenic amines (catecholamines and indoleamines such as serotonin and melatonin). An experimental approach for investigation of the possible role of such neurohormonal balances on tumor induction and tumor growth can be achieved by administration of melatonin, by pinealectomy or by varying the nycthemeral cycle of lighting. In the case of mammary tumors induced in female Sprague-Dawley rats by per os administration of 7.12 DMBA, two important observations were made: the carcinogenic compound alters the levels of pituitary serotonin, particularly at the level of the intermediary lobe, and melatonin seems to play a role in restricting tumor development.
These results indicate that neuro-hormonal balances, implicated in pineal-hypothalamo-pituitary hormonal regulation, play a role in tumor induction and tumor growth of mammary tumors in female rats, probably by modifying peripheral hormone secretion. The stress induced by modification of a nycthemeral cycle can, under certain experimental conditions, modify tumor response and development.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Dechambre, R. P., Gosse, C.: Individual “versus” group caging of mice with grafted tumors. Cancer Res.33, 140–144 (1973).
Gala, R. R., Loginsky, S. J.: Correlation between serum prolactin levels and incidence of mammary tumors induced by 7.12 Diméthyl benz (a) anthracène in the rat. J.N.C.I.51, 593–597 (1973).
Guérinot, F., Janiaud, P., Lemaout, M., Aubert, C., Bohuon, C.: Perturbations des niveaux de sérotonine hypophysaires induites par administration d'une seule dose de 7.12 diméthyl 1–2 benz (a) anthracène chez le rat. C.R. Acad. Sci. (Paris)281, 211–214 (1975).
Hamilton, J.: Influence of environmental light and melatonin upon mammary tumour induction. Brit. J. Surg.56, 764–766 (1969).
Huggins, C., Briziarelli, G., Sutton, H.: Rapid induction of mammary carcinoma in the rat the influence of hormones on the tumors. J. Exp. Med.109, 25–42 (1959).
Kastin, A. J., Viosca, S., Nair, R. M. G., Schally, A. V., Clinton Miller, M.: Interactions between pineal hypothalamus and pituitary involving melatonin. MSH release inhibiting factor and MSH. Endocrinology91, 1323–1327 (1972).
Meites, J.: Hypophysiotropic hormones of the hypothalamus: assay and chemistry. Workshop conference, Tucson, 1969. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins. 1970.
Nagasawa, H., Chen, Ch., Meites, J.: Relation between growth of carcinogen induced mammary cancers and serum prolactin value in rats. Proceedings Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine142, 625–627 (1973).
Newberry, B. H., Frankie, G., Beatty, P. A., et al.: Shock stress and DMBA-induced mammary tumors. Psychol. Med.34, 295–303 (1972).
Thierry, A. M., Fekete, M., Glowinski, J.: Effects of stress on the metabolism of noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin (5-MT) in the central nervous system of the rat. (II) Modifications of serotonin metabolism. European J. Pharmacol.4, 384–389 (1968).
Wurtman, R. J., Axelrod, J., Kelly, D. E.: The pineal. New York-London: Academic Press. 1968.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Aubert, C., Janiaud, P. & Lecalvez, J. Effect of pinealectomy and melatonin on mammary tumor growth in sprague-dawley rats under different conditions of lighting. J. Neural Transmission 47, 121–130 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01670163
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01670163