Effect of Constant Illumination on the Function of the Hypothalamic—Pituitary—Adrenal Axis in Nonhuman Primates

We studied the effect of constant illumination on the effects of administration of arginine vasopressin (AVP), one of the most important regulators of the key adaptive hypothalamic—pituitary—adrenal (HPA) axis under basal conditions and during stress, as well as on the circadian rhythm of activity of HPA axis and the pineal gland in laboratory primates. In young adult female rhesus monkeys exposed to constant illumination for 7 weeks, the rise in the concentration of ACTH and cortisol in response to administration of AVP was markedly reduced in comparison with both the basal period and with the control group of animals. In addition, a destructive effect of constant lighting on circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion was observed in the absence of significant circadian changes in melatonin secretion. The inhibitory effect of constant illumination on the function of the HPA axis under basal conditions and under conditions of its activation can reduce the body’s adaptive abilities.