Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2012 Feb 5;349(1):13-9. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.07.009. Epub 2011 Jul 18.
The pineal gland is a neuroendocrine organ of the brain. Its main task is to synthesize and secrete melatonin, a nocturnal hormone with diverse physiological functions. This review will focus on the central and pineal mechanisms in generation of mammalian pineal rhythmicity including melatonin production. In particular, this review covers the following topics: (1) local control of serotonin and melatonin rhythms; (2) neurotransmitters involved in central control of melatonin; (3) plasticity of the neural circuit controlling melatonin production; (4) role of clock genes in melatonin formation; (5) phase control of pineal rhythmicity; (6) impact of light at night on pineal rhythms; and (7) physiological function of the pineal rhythmicity.
松果腺是大脑的神经内分泌器官。它的主要任务是合成和分泌褪黑素,这是一种具有多种生理功能的夜间激素。本综述将重点介绍包括褪黑素产生在内的哺乳动物松果腺节律产生的中枢和松果腺机制。具体而言,本综述涵盖了以下主题:(1)血清素和褪黑素节律的局部控制;(2)参与褪黑素中枢控制的神经递质;(3)控制褪黑素产生的神经回路的可塑性;(4)时钟基因在褪黑素形成中的作用;(5)松果腺节律的相位控制;(6)夜间光照对松果腺节律的影响;以及(7)松果腺节律的生理功能。