6533b861fe1ef96bd12c5702
RESEARCH PRODUCT
The Effects of Microelectrophoretically Applied Melatonin, Putative Transmitters, Thyroxine and Sex Hormones on the Electrical Activity of Pineal Cells in the Guinea-pig
P. SemmC. DemaineL. Vollrathsubject
endocrine systemmedicine.medical_specialtyCellBiologyPinealocyteGuinea pigMelatoninmedicine.anatomical_structureEndocrinologynervous systemInternal medicinemedicineCircadian rhythmhormones hormone substitutes and hormone antagonistsTestosteroneAcetylcholinemedicine.drugHormonedescription
ABSTRACT The effects of microelectrophoretic application of melatonin, noradrenaline, acetylcholine, thyroxine, testosterone and oestrone on pineal cell electrical activity were evaluated. With the exception of acetylcholine and oestrone pineal cells showed a circadian rhythm in sensitivity to the application of the substances. It is apparent from these studies, that (1) transmitters and hormones can bring about direct changes in the firing frequency of pineal cells, (2) all pineal cells do not respond to these substances in the same way and (3) that melatonin either produced in the pineal organ or reaching the gland via the general circulation may be capable of directly influencing the cells engaged in its own synthesis or in the synthesis of other pineal antigonadotropins.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981-01-01 |