Calciproteins regulate cyclic AMP content and melatonin secretion in trout pineal photoreceptors

Photoreceptor cells of the fish pineal transduce photoperiodic information into the rhythmic secretion of melatonin. The nocturnal rise in melatonin secretion has been associated with an increase in cyclic AMP (cAMP) production and with an entry of Ca2+ ions through L-type voltage-dependent channels. It is shown here that two inhibitors of calciproteins, W7 and calmidazolium, inhibit melatonin secretion and, to a lesser extent, cAMP levels in cultured trout pineal photoreceptors. Kinetic studies indicated that melatonin secretion was affected earlier than cAMP in cells cultured in the presence of W7. The present results provide evidence that Ca2+ acts through one or more calciproteins to regulate melatonin production. It is suggested that Ca2+/calciprotein complexes might act at two different sites, one involving regulation of cAMP metabolism, and the other being independent from cAMP.