The Pineal and Its Indole Products: Basic Aspects and Clinical Applications

Reíter, Russel J.

doi:10.1007/978-1-4612-3480-7_4

Cited by 23 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 212 publications

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“…One subtype of IFN, gamma-IFN, was shown to enhance melatonin production in cultured rat pineal gland (47-49) stimulated with isoproterenol, a fl-adrenergic receptor agonist known to activate N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity (51).…”

Section: Effect Of the Immune System On The Pineal Glandmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Brief Survey of Pineal Gland-Immune System Interrelationships

1992

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The present paper summarizes evidence that support the hypothesis of the existence of bilateral interactions between pineal gland and the immune system. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments show that the pineal gland, via its hormone melatonin, enhances immune function. Mechanisms involved in this immunostimulatory effect are not well understood, but some evidence suggests the existence of specific binding sites for melatonin on immune cells. Moreover, the release of opioid peptides and interleukin-2 by T-helper cells may also participate in this mechanism by activating, at least natural killer activity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Some immune signals, i.e., gamma-interferon, may be involved in regulating pineal function, thereby representing a regulatory mechanism in the opposite direction. The physiological and clinical significance of these data remains to be studied.

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Section: Effect Of the Immune System On The Pineal Glandmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Brief Survey of Pineal Gland-Immune System Interrelationships

1992

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“…¿-N E or /.-isoproterenol) induce large increases in otherwise low day time NAT activity [10. 16] and melatonin content [23] in the rat pineal gland. In contrast, administration of adrenergic receptor antagonists (e.g.…”

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confidence: 99%

Tryptophan Administration Inhibits Nocturnal N-Acetyltransferase Activity and Melatonin Content in the Rat Pineal Gland

Reíter¹,

King²,

Steinlechner³

et al. 1990

Neuroendocrinology

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In the rat pineal gland, the activity of serotonin N-acetyltransferase (NAT) and the concentration of melatonin are normally high at night; conversely, the concentration of serotonin (5-HT), the precursor of melatonin, is low. Since tryptophan administration increases the concentration of pineal 5-HT at night, we examined its effect of melatonin production. Nighttime tryptophan loading led to substantial increases in pineal 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA), and 5-HT but a highly significant reduction in NAT activity in comparison to saline-injected controls. In contrast to other measured indoles, melatonin levels also were significantly diminished by tryptophan loading. Nocturnally high pineal norepinephrine levels were unaltered by tryptophan administration. The idea that high concentrations of 5-HT could lead to substrate inhibition of NAT activity was not supported by kinetic analysis of control NAT levels versus tryptophan-inhibited NAT activity under varied substrate concentrations. Hypotheses to explain these results include the possibility that tryptophan inhibition of melatonin synthesis is mediated by the release of 5-HT from the pinealocyte and its subsequent autocrine action on melatonin production.

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“…Melatonin is also used as a stimulator of the immune system, and prophylaxis against cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease; it is also used in the treatment of schizophrenia, epilepcy, etc. [143,144].…”

Section: Physiological Effects Of Neurohormones Released By the Pineamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Main aspects of clinical use of the pineal gland-born indole products are described in detail in Reiter's review [143].…”

Section: Physiological Effects Of Neurohormones Released By the Pineamentioning

confidence: 99%

Physiology of the epiphysis: Modern concepts

Bondarenko¹

1997

Neurophysiology

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In this review, the information available from the literature and the data obtained by the author about the epiphysis (or the pineal gland), an important neuroendocrine organ, and about its main hormone, melatonin, are summarized. The history of studying the epiphysis and the evolutionary aspects of its activity, anatomy, and physiology are discussed. The results of electrophysiological studies are described, and biochemical aspects of the epiphysis activity are analyzed. The pathways through which photoinformation enterS the pineal gland, and external factors regulating its functioning are described in detail. The data on the physiological effects produced by epiphyseal neurohormones (melatonin is the best studied) and their role in formation of different types of behavior are emphasized.

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The Pineal and Its Indole Products: Basic Aspects and Clinical Applications

Cited by 23 publications

References 212 publications

A Brief Survey of Pineal Gland-Immune System Interrelationships

A Brief Survey of Pineal Gland-Immune System Interrelationships

Tryptophan Administration Inhibits Nocturnal N-Acetyltransferase Activity and Melatonin Content in the Rat Pineal Gland

Physiology of the epiphysis: Modern concepts

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