An ocular capacity to promote photoperiodic testicular growth in the quail

Abstract

Disk-shaped, 0·6 × 0·2 mm pellets of radioluminous material were inserted in the anterior chamber of the eyes of sexually immature male quail on short daylengths. Two weeks later testicular weights and plasma testosterone levels were significantly increased compared with controls. The effectiveness of the ocular implants varied according to the spectrum of emission of the radioluminous material. Sectioning of the optic nerve suppressed all gonadal response to retinal photostimulation.