From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2006-04-16 23:49:39 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] RE: Adrenal Mystery
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Also notice in
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/adrenal.htm
START QUOTE
During the spring/summer months the photoperiod increases (13-15 hours of light per day) and the melatonin levels decrease. During the fall/winter months the photoperiod decreases (8-12 hours of light per day) and the melatonin levels increase. Melatonin directly and indirectly controls the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal/gonadal axis. Thus the increased melatonin levels (8-12 hours of light) cause the seasonal weight increase, end the estrus cycles, and stimulate the hair follicles to grow hair (i.e. putting on their winter coat). Conversely the decreased melatonin levels (13-15 hours of light) cause the seasonal weight loss, start the estrus cycles, and cause the hair follicles to shed.
END QUOTE
Notice that the longer times of darkness are when the melatonin is produced. Even small amounts of light reduce that production by the pineal gland. The short part of the spectrum (blues, greens, etc.) most reduce this production.
The trick involving darkness is to hope to keep the melatonin levels high enough to stop the overproduction of LH and FSH by the pituitary. Alternatively, it is possible to use the melatonin implant. See:
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/melatonin.htm
which includes:
START QUOTE
It is likely that the abnormal lighting to which we subject our ferrets may be at least partially responsible for the high incidence of adrenal disease. Their in-home environment is naturally light during daylight hours and we add many hours of artificial light on top of that during the evening hours. This constant lighting causes a natural reduction of the ferret's production of melatonin and adds to the stimulation (LH) to the adrenal glands.
END QUOTE
The references I mention in this and my last post predate some more recent research which is also very compelling and independently confirms earlier research.
-- Sukie (not a vet, and not speaking for any of the below in my private posts)
Recommended health resources to help ferrets and the people who love them:
Ferret Health List
http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth
FHL Archives
http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
AFIP Ferret Pathology
http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html
Miamiferrets
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/
International Ferret Congress Critical References
http://www.ferretcongress.org
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