The effects of spectral power distribution and illuminance levels on key parameters in the male golden hamster and rat with preliminary observations on the effects of pinealectomy.

Three different light sources were used to determine the effects of spectral power distribution (SPD) and illuminance levels on growth and organ weights of male golden hamsters and rats. SPD had little effect on organ weights or measurements of either rats or hamsters. However, responses to illuminance levels were quite apparent, provided they were equalized for the scotopic eye sensitivity curve characteristic of nocturnal animals. Under seven illuminance levels from 0 to 3.9 scotopic fc, hamsters demonstrated graded responses in gonadal weights and presumed function from 0 to 0.02 scotopic fc. Above this level, photopic saturation was apparent. The neuroendocrine system of pinealectomized animals failed to show sensitivity to illuminance levels. The suggestion is made that the pineal gland acts to monitor illuminance levels (below about 0.02 scotopic fc) as well as photic duration. While the latter appears to be an "all or none" effect, the former appears to be graded.