Role of eyes and pineal gland in melanophore response in the green frog. Rana esculenta.

The studies suggest that complete inhibition of MSH liberation from the pars intermedia is brought about in response to the receipt of photic cues through the eyes and, possibly, by the pineal gland. The punctuate condition of epidermal melanophores is brought about by the inhibition of MSH liberation alone, whereas the punctuate condition of dermal melanophores is brought about by the inhibition of MSH liberation and the liberation of melanin aggregating substance from the pineal gland in response to photostimulation.