Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Electrical stimulation of the hypothalamic nucleus paraventricularis mimics the effects of light on pineal melatonin synthesis

Journal Article · · Life Sci.; (United States)
In an attempt to clarify further the role of the hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei (PVN) in the control of pineal function, the effects of 2 min electrical stimulation of these nuclei were investigated in acutely blinded, adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats. Pineal serotonin-N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity, melatonin content and catecholamine levels were measured by means of radio-enzymatic, radioimmunoassay and high-performance liquid-chromatography methods, respectively. All three pineal parameters underwent significant declines following brief PVN stimulation during the night time. These observations lend credence to the view that the neural pathways transmitting light information to the sympathetic innervation controlling pineal melatonin synthesis. 22 references, 1 figure.
Research Organization:
Gutenberg Universitaet, Mainz, West Germany
OSTI ID:
6937706
Journal Information:
Life Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Life Sci.; (United States) Vol. 40:5; ISSN LIFSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Similar Records

Cysteamine effects on somatostatin, catecholamines, pineal NAT and melatonin in rats
Journal Article · Fri Feb 28 23:00:00 EST 1986 · Brain Res. Bull.; (United States) · OSTI ID:5324571

Marked rapid alterations in nocturnal pineal serotonin metabolism in mice and rats exposed to weak intermittent magnetic fields
Journal Article · Thu May 31 00:00:00 EDT 1990 · Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications; (USA) · OSTI ID:7061568

Alpha-2 adrenergic activity of bromocriptine and quinpirole in chicken pineal gland. Effects on melatonin synthesis and ( sup 3 H)rauwolscine binding
Journal Article · Fri Nov 30 23:00:00 EST 1990 · Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics; (USA) · OSTI ID:5989159