Effect of melatonin and 5-methoxytryptamine administration on the testis and pineal gland activity of the fresh-water snake, Natrix piscator.

Effects of melatonin (aMT) and 5-methoxytryptamine (MT) were studied on the testicular activity cycle of the fresh-water snake, Natrix piscator. The subcutaneous implantation and the injections (morning as well as evening) of these two methoxyindoles prevented testicular recrudescence, retarded the testicular active phase, and accelerated the rate of regression of testes, while having no effect on the inactive testes. Contrary to this, these two compounds increased the pineal gland weight during different reproductive phases. These results revealed that both aMT and MT, whether they were continuously released through silastic capsule implants or administered through daily periodic injections, produced inhibitory effects on the testicular function.