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Human post-mortem pineal enzyme activity

J A Smith, T J Mee, D J Padwick

    Clinical Endocrinology
    |January 1, 1981
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

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    Pineal gland enzymes serotonin-N-acetyltransferase (SNAT) and hydroxy-indole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT) show an annual rhythm, not diurnal, in activity. HIOMT activity was elevated in schizophrenic individuals.

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroendocrinology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Melatonin production relies on specific enzymes within the pineal gland.
    • Understanding enzyme activity rhythms is crucial for interpreting pineal gland function in health and disease.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To measure the activity of serotonin-N-acetyltransferase (SNAT) and hydroxy-indole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT) in post-mortem human pineal organs.
    • To investigate the influence of age, sex, and time of death on enzyme activity.
    • To explore potential alterations in enzyme activity in psychotic individuals.

    Main Methods:

    • Assay of SNAT and HIOMT enzyme activity in 88 post-mortem human pineal organs.
    • Correlation analysis with age, sex, and time of death.
    • Comparison of enzyme activity between healthy controls and psychotic individuals.

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    Main Results:

    • No significant correlation found between enzyme activity and age or sex.
    • A distinct annual bimodal rhythm in HIOMT activity was observed, with peaks in January and July.
    • Significantly increased HIOMT values were found in schizophrenic individuals, but not in a schizophrenic-like group.

    Conclusions:

    • Pineal enzyme activity is influenced by an annual rhythm, not a diurnal one, and is stable post-mortem.
    • Clinical interpretations of pineal dysfunction in disease should account for these rhythms.
    • Elevated HIOMT activity may be a biomarker in schizophrenia, independent of age, sex, or drug treatment.