Abstract:
The pineal gland has been classically considered as a vestigial organ with mystic properties. With the development of new methodical experiments, its physiologic actions are unraveled vary depending on the level of the phylogenetic scale. Since the discovery of malatonin as the principal hormone of the pineal gland, is an important hormone involved in the control of circadian rhythms and other diverse biological functions. Recent metabolic, receptor and functional studies have discovered melatoininergic system(s) in living organisms, its organization, by three basic features: (1) Photosensitivity, (2) diurnal (or circadian) rhythmicity (with highest levels of melationin production occurring at night in darkness), age-related decline in its activity.
Page(s):
611-615
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Journal of College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP, Volume: 13, Issue: 10, Year: 2003