The cAMP signaling pathway mediates photoperiod-induced follicle development in striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) supported by association analyses

Background: Rodents represent one of the key functional groups in ecosystems, and their population outbreaks can disrupt ecological equilibrium and cause substantial economic losses in agricultural production. Therefore, rational control of rodent populations is essential for maintaining ecosystem stability and minimizing economic damage. The striped hamster displays marked seasonal reproductive patterns, leading to significant fluctuations in population size across seasons. Investigating how female striped hamsters regulate follicle development in response to photoperiodic cues offers a promising target for the strategic management of pest populations. Methods: Adult female striped hamsters were exposed to long (LP), medium (MP), and short (SP) photoperiods. Ovarian follicle development was assessed through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining of ovaries. Transcriptome sequencing was conducted to identify signaling pathways associated with photoperiodic regulation of follicle development. Serum levels of FSH, LH, and cAMP, as well as ovarian cAMP concentrations, were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was further employed to quantify the expression of key genes involved in follicle development. Correlations between cAMP levels and hormonal or gene expression data were analyzed to elucidate the main factors mediating photoperiod-regulated follicle development. Results: Long photoperiod (LP) promotes follicle development, whereas short photoperiod (SP) suppresses it. The cAMP signaling pathway serves as a key mechanism mediating photoperiod to regulate follicle development. Photoperiod modulates the synthesis of FSH, LH, and cAMP, thereby coordinately influencing downstream reproductive physiology. Conclusions: GPR3, ADCY5, PDE1A, and PDE3A are identified as core factors in the cAMP signaling pathway and are proposed as potential molecular targets for the rational control of farmland rodent populations.