Srinivasan V
Institute of Physiology, Madurai Medical College, Madurai 065 020, India.
Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 1989 Oct-Dec;33(4):263-72.
Our perception of pineal gland function has attained new dimensions during the last decade. The gland is active throughout the life of an individual and secretes melatonin, the major pineal hormone, and many indoles and polypeptides. The secretion of pineal gland is regulated not only by sympathetic nerve fibers but by other central pinealopetal projections also. Many neurotransmitter-receptor sites have been identified recently in the pineal gland. The gland plays an established role in controlling reproduction and is involved in the control of sexual maturation. It has a major influence on the circadian organization of vertebrates including human beings. The hormone melatonin has a potential therapeutic valve in treating disorders that are associated with biological rhythm disturbances like sleep disorders, "jet lag" phenomena and affective disorders. The gland is actively involved in the mechanisms controlling sleep-wakefulness cycle and human mood disorders. It actively participates in the neuroendocrine mechanism controlling stress and acts even as an oncostatic gland. The pineal gland may be considered an "equilibrating-tranquilizing gland" contributing to longevity.
在过去十年中，我们对松果体功能的认识有了新的拓展。松果体在个体一生中都很活跃，能分泌褪黑素（主要的松果体激素）以及多种吲哚和多肽。松果体的分泌不仅受交感神经纤维调节，还受其他向松果体投射的中枢神经调节。最近在松果体中发现了许多神经递质 - 受体位点。松果体在控制生殖方面发挥着既定作用，并参与性成熟的调控。它对包括人类在内的脊椎动物的昼夜节律组织有重大影响。褪黑素在治疗与生物节律紊乱相关的疾病，如睡眠障碍、“时差”现象和情感障碍方面具有潜在的治疗价值。松果体积极参与控制睡眠 - 觉醒周期和人类情绪障碍的机制。它积极参与控制应激的神经内分泌机制，甚至可作为抑癌腺体。松果体可被视为有助于长寿的“平衡 - 安神腺体”。
