Excitatory amino acid receptors may mediate the effects of light on the reproductive system of the golden hamster.

Seasonal regulation of reproduction occurs in golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) in response to changes in day length (photoperiod). We report here the results of experiments designed to evaluate whether excitatory amino acid neurotransmission is involved in mediating the effects of light on reproduction. We found that MK-801, a specific antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate subclass of excitatory amino acid receptors, blocked the stimulatory action of short pulses of light on gonadal function in hamsters maintained in short days. Furthermore, MK-801 also inhibited the light-induced decline in pineal melatonin content. These findings suggest that excitatory amino acids may mediate the effects of light on the reproductive system.