Phodopus campbelli detect reduced photoperiod during development but, unlike Phodopus sungorus, retain functional reproductive physiology

Abstract

Golden (Mesocricetus auratus) and Siberian (Phodopus sungorus) hamsters are widely used as animal models for seasonal reproduction; butM. auratusshows no developmental delay in short days until after sexual maturity, whereasP. sungorusjuveniles delay development in short days. As the photoperiodic response ofPhodopus campbelliis not well established, litters of the twoPhodopusspecies were gestated and reared under long days (14 h light:10 h darkness) or short days (10 h light:14 h darkness) until 70 days of age. As expected, under short photoperiodP. sungorusshowed reduced body, testes, epididymides, uterus, and ovary weight; antral follicles and corpora lutea were absent and vaginae remained closed. Animals moulted to winter pelage, and low concentrations of each of leptin, testosterone, and prolactin were present in male serum.Phodopus campbellijuveniles also responded to the short photoperiod as measured by reduced body, testes, epididymides, and ovary weight. The summer pelage persisted. However, both sexes ofP. campbellideveloped functional reproduction under 10 h light:14 h darkness. All females had a patent vagina by 10 weeks; ovaries contained antral follicles and corpora lutea, and uteri were not reduced in weight. In males, the concentrations of testosterone, leptin, and prolactin were not reduced by short photoperiod. Developmental patterns in the three species of hamster, therefore, differ and are not predicted by relatedness or latitude of origin. Other ecological traits, such as predictability of summer rainfall, ambient temperature, and differential responses to social cues might be important.