Gaston S, Menaker M
Science. 1968 Jun 7;160(3832):1125-7. doi: 10.1126/science.160.3832.1125.
The pineal organ of the house sparrow, Passer domesticus, is essential for persistence of the circadian locomotor rhythm in constant conditions. Upon removal of the pineal body, activity becomes arrhythmic. However, pinealectomy does not abolish the rhythm of locomotor activity in birds exposed to light-dark cycles. Pinealectomized birds are entrained by light cycles in much the same manner as are normal birds. Our data demonstrate that the pineal organ is a crucial component of the endogenous time-measuring system of the sparrow.
家麻雀（Passer domesticus）的松果体对于在恒定条件下昼夜节律性运动节奏的维持至关重要。摘除松果体后，活动变得无节律。然而，松果体切除并不会消除处于明暗周期中的鸟类的运动活动节律。松果体切除的鸟类与正常鸟类一样，在很大程度上受光照周期的影响。我们的数据表明，松果体是麻雀内源性计时系统的关键组成部分。
