Effect of Melatonin on the Follicular Development and Vitellogenesis in the Prepubertal Pigeon, Columba livia

Effect of melatonin administration in the late photophase on the follicular development, vitellogenesis and atresia in the prepubertal pigeon was investigated. Birds were autopsied after the last injection and ovaries were dissected out and processed for histology. Follicles were separated using the spring scissor and classified based on their diameter, (i) < 75 μm (ii) 76-300 μm and (iii) > 300 μm. In initial control birds, follicles < 75 μm and < 300 μm diameters were found while in final control and melatonin treated birds follicles of < 75 μm, < 300 μm and > 300 μm were found. Significant increase in the number of follicles < 75 μm diameter and atretic follicles were found in melatonin treated pigeons. Early vitellogenic follicles were absent in melatonin treated pigeons. The present study suggests that the treatment with melatonin in late photophase to prepubertal female pigeos affects the growth of the follicles and inhibits the formation of vitellogenic follicles.