ISSN:
1432-119X
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary By using a plethora of region-specific antisera, this light microscopic immunohistochemical study revealed that derivatives from the three opioid precursors, i.e. proenkephalin, prodynorphin and proopiomelanocortin are differentially distributed in the pineal gland of guinea pig. Various molecular forms of immunoreactive opioid peptides derived from proenkephalin or prodynorphin were prosent in a minority of pinealocytes as well as in nerves. In contrast to this dual distribution pattern of opioid-active peptides, the opioid-inactive derivative from proopiomelanocortin, alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, was exclusively present in a large proportion of pinealocytes. A multiple and differential origin and function of opioidergic pineal innervation involving sympathetic, parasympathetic and sensory components is suggested. α-MSH is proposed as a pineal hormone which may act in concert with melatonin to regulate pineal rhythms or may function like MSH of pituitary origin.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00570292
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