Takahashi J S, Hamm H, Menaker M
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1980 Apr;77(4):2319-22. doi: 10.1073/pnas.77.4.2319.
The pineal gland of birds contains one or more circadian oscillators that play a major role in overall temporal organization. We have developed a flow-through culture system for the isolated pineal by which we can measure the release of melatonin continuously from superfused glands over long periods of time. Chicken pineals release melatonin rhythmically, and these rhythms persist in vitro with a circadian oscillation. In light cycles the release of melatonin is strongly rhythmic; however, in constant conditions the amplitude of the rhythm is lower and appears to be damping. Light has at least two effects upon the isolated pineal: cyclic light input synchronizes the rhythm, and acute light exposure at night rapidly inhibits melatonin release. The cultured avian pineal clearly offers great potential as a model system for the study of vertebrate circadian oscillators and may open the way for an analysis of mechanism.
鸟类的松果体含有一个或多个昼夜节律振荡器，在整体时间组织中起主要作用。我们开发了一种用于分离松果体的流通培养系统，通过该系统我们可以长时间连续测量从超融合腺体中释放的褪黑素。鸡的松果体有节律地释放褪黑素，并且这些节律在体外以昼夜节律振荡持续存在。在光照周期中，褪黑素的释放具有强烈的节律性；然而，在恒定条件下，节律的幅度较低且似乎在衰减。光对分离的松果体至少有两种影响：周期性光输入使节律同步，夜间急性光照会迅速抑制褪黑素的释放。培养的鸟类松果体显然作为研究脊椎动物昼夜节律振荡器的模型系统具有巨大潜力，并可能为机制分析开辟道路。
