Elevation of pineal melatonin secretion by electrical stimulation of the cervical sympathetic trunk in rabbits.

The influence of electrical stimulation of the unilateral sympathetic trunk on the release patterns of plasma melatonin in the confluens sinuum of anesthetized rabbits was studied. Plasma melatonin exhibited an episodic release pattern, with pulses superimposed on a basal level. The mean concentration, mean maximum and minimum levels of plasma melatonin in the confluens sinuum were found to be significantly elevated when the sympathetic trunk was electrically stimulated. The frequency of pulse peaks of plasma melatonin sampled at 4-min intervals was not affected by electrical stimulation. Our results suggest that the diurnal rhythmic secretory pattern of pineal melatonin into the confluens sinuum of rabbits is regulated by the cervical sympathetic system.