Feedback control of pineal function by reproductive hormones--a neuroendocrine paradigm.

Secretions from the pineal gland participate in the control of reproductive function. In turn gonadal steroids, gonadotrophins and prolactin modify pineal metabolic activity and change the rate of synthesis of pineal hormones. The article reviews the major observations made regarding the pineal gland and its innervating neurons as target tissues for reproductive steroid and hypophyseal hormones.