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Related Experiment Videos

Eyes--the second (and third) pineal glands?

M Menaker

    Ciba Foundation Symposium
    |January 1, 1985
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Melatonin production varies across species, with pineal glands and retinas playing key endocrine roles in circadian rhythms. Natural selection can easily alter melatonin synthesis, as seen in mice lacking this ability in their pineal glands.

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    Area of Science:

    • Chronobiology
    • Endocrinology
    • Comparative Physiology

    Background:

    • Melatonin is a hormone produced by various tissues, including the pineal gland and retinas, influencing circadian rhythms.
    • The relative contribution of the pineal gland and retinas to circulating melatonin levels varies significantly across species.
    • Both pineal glands and retinas appear to fulfill similar endocrine functions related to circadian organization.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the comparative roles of the pineal gland and retinas in melatonin production and circadian regulation across different species.
    • To explore the evolutionary plasticity of melatonin synthesis and its regulation by natural selection.

    Main Methods:

    • Comparative analysis of behavioral and physiological data from avian and reptilian species.

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  • Examination of melatonin production in pineal glands and retinas.
  • Review of genetic factors influencing melatonin synthesis, particularly in laboratory mice.

    • Main Results:

    • In Japanese quail, both pineal and retinal tissues contribute to circulating melatonin and circadian rhythms.
    • In iguanid lizards, either the retinas or the pineal gland, but not both, significantly influence circadian organization.
    • The ability to synthesize melatonin has been lost in the pineal glands of laboratory mice, suggesting ease of evolutionary modification.

    Conclusions:

    • The pineal gland and retinas exhibit functional redundancy in melatonin production and circadian regulation, with species-specific variations.
    • Melatonin synthesis is readily influenced by natural selection, highlighting the adaptability of endocrine pathways.
    • Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into the evolution of circadian systems and hormonal regulation.