Pineal gland
| Pineal gland | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Endocrine system | |
 | |
| Diagram of pituitary and pineal glands. | |
| Latin | glandula pinealis |
| Gray's | subject #276 1277 |
| Artery | superior cerebellar artery |
| MeSH | Pineal+gland |
| Dorlands/Elsevier | g_06/12392585 |
|
WikiDoc Resources for Pineal gland | |
|
Articles | |
|---|---|
|
Most recent articles on Pineal gland Most cited articles on Pineal gland | |
|
Media | |
|
Powerpoint slides on Pineal gland | |
|
Evidence Based Medicine | |
|
Clinical Trials | |
|
Ongoing Trials on Pineal gland at Clinical Trials.gov Clinical Trials on Pineal gland at Google
| |
|
Guidelines / Policies / Govt | |
|
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Pineal gland
| |
|
Books | |
|
News | |
|
Commentary | |
|
Definitions | |
|
Patient Resources / Community | |
|
Patient resources on Pineal gland Discussion groups on Pineal gland Patient Handouts on Pineal gland Directions to Hospitals Treating Pineal gland Risk calculators and risk factors for Pineal gland
| |
|
Healthcare Provider Resources | |
|
Causes & Risk Factors for Pineal gland | |
|
Continuing Medical Education (CME) | |
|
International | |
|
| |
|
Business | |
|
Experimental / Informatics | |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753
Please Join in Editing This Page and Apply to be an Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [2] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.
Overview
The pineal gland (also called the pineal body, epiphysis cerebri, or epiphysis) is a small endocrine gland in the brain. It produces melatonin, a hormone that may weakly modulate wake/sleep patterns. [1] It is shaped like a tiny pine cone, and is located near the center of the brain, between the two hemispheres, tucked in a groove where the two rounded thalamic bodies join.
Location
The pineal gland is a reddish-gray body about the size of a pea (8 mm in humans), located just rostro-dorsal to the superior colliculus and behind and beneath the stria medullaris, between the laterally positioned thalamic bodies. It is part of the epithalamus.
The pineal gland is a midline structure, and is often seen in plain skull X-rays, as it is often calcified.
Structure and composition
The pineal body consists in humans of a lobular parenchyma of pinealocytes surrounded by connective tissue spaces. The glands' surface is covered by a pial capsule.
The pineal gland consists mainly of pinealocytes, but four other cell types have been identified.
| Cell type | Description |
| pinealocytes | The pinealocytes consist of a cell body with 4-6 processes emerging. They produce and secrete melatonin. The pinealocytes can be stained by special silver impregnation methods. |
| interstitial cells | Interstitial cells are located between the pinealocytes. |
| perivascular phagocyte | Many capillaries are present in the gland, and perivascular phagocytes are located close to these blood vessels. The perivascular phagocytes are antigen presenting cells. |
| pineal neurons | In higher vertebrates neurons are located in the pineal gland. However, these are not present in rodents. |
| peptidergic neuron-like cells | In some species, neuronal-like peptidergic cells are present. These cells might have a paracrine regulatory function. |
The pineal gland receives a sympathetic innervation from the superior cervical ganglion. However, a parasympathetic innervation from the sphenopalatine and otic ganglia is also present. Further, some nerve fibers penetrate into the pineal gland via the pineal stalk (central innervation). Finally, neurons in the trigeminal ganglion innervates the gland with nerve fibers containing the neuropeptide, PACAP. Human follicles contain a variable quantity of gritty material, called corpora arenacea (or "acervuli", or "brain sand"). Chemical analysis shows that they are composed of calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium phosphate, and ammonium phosphate. [2]. Recently, calcite deposits have been described as well [3].
In lower vertebrates
Pinealocytes in lower vertebrate animals have a strong resemblance to the photoreceptor cells of the eye. Some evolutionary biologists believe that the vertebrate pineal cells share a common evolutionary ancestor with retinal cells[4].
In some vertebrates, exposure to light can set off a chain reaction of enzymes, hormones, and neuroreceptors, which may help regulate the animal's circadian rhythm[5].
In humans and other mammals, this function is served by the retinohypothalamic system that sets the rhythm within the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Cultural and social interactions produce exposures to artificial light that influence the setting of the suprachiasmatic clock. Evidence for a role for opsin-related light-sensing compounds in the skin of mammals is presently controversial. Research suggests that the pineal gland may serve a magnetoreceptive function in some animals. [6]
Some early vertebrate fossil skulls have a pineal foramen. This corroborates with the physiology of the modern lamprey, tuatara, and some other vertebrates.
Function
The pineal gland was originally believed to be a "vestigial remnant" of a larger organ (much as the appendix is thought to be a vestigial digestive organ). Aaron Lerner and colleagues at Yale University discovered that melatonin, the most potent compound then known to lighten frog skin, was present in the highest concentrations in the pineal [7]. Melatonin is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan, which also has other functions in the central nervous system. The production of melatonin by the pineal gland is stimulated by darkness and inhibited by light. [8] The retina detects the light, and directly signals and entrains the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Fibers project from the SCN to the paraventricular nuclei (PVN), which relay the circadian signals to the spinal cord and out via the sympathetic system to superior cervical ganglia (SCG), and from there into the pineal gland. The function(s) of melatonin in humans is not clear.
In his book DMT: The Spirit Molecule, Dr. Rick Strassman hypothesized that the pineal gland produces the psychedelic chemical DMT[9], but this has not been tested.
The pineal gland is large in children, but shrinks at puberty. It appears to play a major role in sexual development, hibernation in animals, metabolism, and seasonal breeding. The abundant melatonin levels in children is believed to inhibit sexual development, and pineal tumors have been linked with precocious puberty. When puberty arrives, melatonin production is reduced. Calcification of the pineal gland is typical in adults.
Pineal cytostructure seems to have evolutionary similarities to the retinal cells of chordates. [10] Modern birds and reptiles have been found to express the phototransducing pigment melanopsin in the pineal gland. Avian pineal glands are believed to act like the suprachiasmatic nucleus in mammals. [11]
Studies suggest that in rodents the pineal gland may influence the actions of recreational drugs, such as cocaine, [12] and antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac),[13] and contribute to regulation of neuronal vulnerability.[14]
Mythologies, Cultures and Philosophies
The secretory activity of the pineal gland has only relatively recently become understood. Historically, its location deep in the brain suggested to philosophers that it possessed particular importance. This combination led to its being a "mystery" gland with myth, superstition and metaphysical theories surrounding its perceived function.
René Descartes, who dedicated much time to the study of the pineal gland,[15] called it the "seat of the soul" [16]. He believed that is was the point of connection between the intellect and the body. This was in part because of his belief that it is unique in the anatomy of the human brain in being a structure not duplicated on the right and left sides. This observation is not true, however; under a microscope one finds the pineal gland is divided into two fine hemispheres. Another theory was that the pineal operated as a valve releasing fluids, thus the position taken during deep thought, with the head slightly down meeting the hand, was an allowance for the opening of these 'valves'.
The pineal gland is occasionally associated with the sixth chakra (also called Ajna or the third eye chakra in yoga) or sometimes the Seventh (Crown) chakra. It is believed by some to be a dormant organ that can be awakened to enable telepathic communication.
The relevance of the pineal gland to Discordianism, an idiosyncratic religion with roots in California psychedelic culture whose doctrines display great fondness for paradox, is great if not well understood.
Writers such as Alice Bailey, considered an early proponent of the new age movement, use the pineal-eye as a key element in their spiritual world-view...(see Alice Bailey: "A Treatise on White Magic")
The notion of a 'pineal-eye' is also crucial to the philosophy of the seminal French writer Georges Bataille, which is analyzed at length by literary scholar Denis Hollier in his study Against Architecture. [17]
"But the head has a hole in it. The pineal eye, the organ of not-knowing, is the undoing of science. If science thought up man, the pineal eye unthinks him, spends him extravagantly, makes him loose the reserve in which, at the summit, from his head position, he was guarding himself."[18]
In this work Hollier discusses how Bataille uses the concept of a 'pineal-eye' as a reference to a blind-spot in Western rationality.
"When I carefully seek out, in deepest anguish, some strange absurdity, an eye opens at the top, in the middle of my skull. This eye opening up onto the sun in all its glory, to contemplate it in its nakedness, privately, is not the work of my reason: it is a cry escaping from me. For at the moment when the flash blinds me I am the splintering brilliance of a shattered life, and this life - agony and vertigo - opening up onto an infinite void, bursts and exhausts itself all at once in this void."[19]
Additional images
Mesal aspect of a brain sectioned in the median sagittal plane.
Dissection showing the ventricles of the brain.
Hind and mid-brains; postero-lateral view.
Median sagittal section of brain.
References
- ↑ Macchi M, Bruce J (2004). "Human pineal physiology and functional significance of melatonin.". Front Neuroendocrinol 25 (3-4): 177-95. PMID 15589268.
- ↑ Bocchi G, Valdre G (1993). "Physical, chemical, and mineralogical characterization of carbonate-hydroxyapatite concretions of the human pineal gland.". J Inorg Biochem 49 (3): 209-20. PMID 8381851.
- ↑ Baconnier S, Lang S, Polomska M, Hilczer B, Berkovic G, Meshulam G (2002). "Calcite microcrystals in the pineal gland of the human brain: first physical and chemical studies.". Bioelectromagnetics 23 (7): 488-95. PMID 12224052.
- ↑ Klein D (2004). "The 2004 Aschoff/Pittendrigh lecture: Theory of the origin of the pineal gland--a tale of conflict and resolution.". J Biol Rhythms 19 (4): 264-79. PMID 15245646.
- ↑ Moore RY, Heller A, Wurtman RJ, Axelrod J. Visual pathway mediating pineal response to environmental light. Science 1967;155(759):220–3. PMID 6015532
- ↑ (Deutschlander et al.,1999)
- ↑ Lerner AB, Case JD, Takahashi Y (1960). "Isolation of melatonin and 5-methoxyindole-3-acetic acid from bovine pineal glands.". J Biol Chem 235: 1992-7. PMID 14415935.
- ↑ Axelrod J (1970). "The pineal gland.". Endeavour 29 (108): 144-8. PMID 4195878.
- ↑ Strassman, MD, Rick (2001). DMT: The Spirit Molecule: A Doctor's Revolutionary Research into the Biology of Near-Death and Mystical Experiences. Rochester, Vermont: Park Street Press. ISBN 0-89281-927-8.
- ↑ Klein D (2004). "The 2004 Aschoff/Pittendrigh lecture: Theory of the origin of the pineal gland--a tale of conflict and resolution.". J Biol Rhythms 19 (4): 264-79. PMID 15245646.
- ↑ Natesan A, Geetha L, Zatz M (2002). "Rhythm and soul in the avian pineal.". Cell Tissue Res 309 (1): 35-45. PMID 12111535.
- ↑ Uz T, Akhisaroglu M, Ahmed R, Manev H (2003). "The pineal gland is critical for circadian Period1 expression in the striatum and for circadian cocaine sensitization in mice.". Neuropsychopharmacology 28 (12): 2117-23. PMID 12865893.
- ↑ Uz T, Dimitrijevic N, Akhisaroglu M, Imbesi M, Kurtuncu M, Manev H (2004). "The pineal gland and anxiogenic-like action of fluoxetine in mice.". Neuroreport 15 (4): 691-4. PMID 15094477.
- ↑ Manev H, Uz T, Kharlamov A, Joo J (1996). "Increased brain damage after stroke or excitotoxic seizures in melatonin-deficient rats.". FASEB J 10 (13): 1546-51. PMID 8940301.
- ↑ Descartes and the Pineal Gland (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
- ↑ Descartes R. Treatise of Man. New York: Prometheus Books; 2003. ISBN 1-59102-090-5
- ↑ Hollier, D, Against Architecture: The Writings of Georges Bataille, trans. Betsy Wing, MIT, 1989.
- ↑ (p129; Against Architecture)
- ↑ L'Experience interieure, p101 (trans. Leslie A Boldt: The Inner Experience) Albany: SUNY Press
External links
- BrainMaps at UCDavis pineal%20gland
- NeuroNames hier-280
- Histology at Boston University 14401loa - "Endocrine System: pineal gland "
- Anatomy Atlases - Microscopic Anatomy, plate 15.296
- Images of Pineal region http://rad.usuhs.edu/medpix/medpix.html?mode=image_finder&action=search&srchstr=pineal&srch_type=all#top
WikiDoc Research Resources for Pineal gland | |
|---|---|
| Articles on Pineal gland | Most recent articles on Pineal gland • Most cited articles on Pineal gland • Review articles on Pineal gland • Articles on Pineal gland in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ |
| Media (Slides, Video, Images, MP3) on Pineal gland | Powerpoint slides on Pineal gland • Images of Pineal gland • Photos of Pineal gland • Podcasts & MP3s on Pineal gland • Videos on Pineal gland |
| Evidence Based Medicine Regarding Pineal gland | AND (Cochrane Database Syst Rev[http://worldselectshop.com/?id=9361 Cochrane Collaboration on Pineal gland • Bandolier on Pineal gland • TRIP on Pineal gland |
| Cost Effectiveness of Pineal gland | AND (Cost effectiveness) |
| group5 = Clinical Trials Involving Pineal gland | list5 = Ongoing Trials on Pineal gland at Clinical Trials.gov • Trial results on Pineal gland • Clinical Trials on Pineal gland at Google
| group6 = Guidelines / Policies / Government Resources (FDA/CDC) Regarding Pineal gland
| list6 = US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Pineal gland • NICE Guidance on Pineal gland • NHS PRODIGY Guidance • FDA on Pineal gland • CDC on Pineal gland
| group7 = Textbook Information on Pineal gland
| list7 = Books and Textbook Information on Pineal gland
| group8 = Pharmacology Resources on Pineal gland
| list8 =
AND (Dose)}} Dosing of Pineal gland • AND (drug interactions)}} Drug interactions with Pineal gland • AND (side effects)}} Side effects of Pineal gland • AND (Allergy)}} Allergic reactions to Pineal gland • AND (overdose)}} Overdose information on Pineal gland • AND (carcinogenicity)}} Carcinogenicity information on Pineal gland • AND (pregnancy)}} Pineal gland in pregnancy • AND (pharmacokinetics)}} Pharmacokinetics of Pineal gland •
| group9 = Genetics, Pharmacogenomics, and Proteinomics of Pineal gland
| list9 =
AND (pharmacogenomics)}} Genetics of Pineal gland • AND (pharmacogenomics)}} Pharmacogenomics of Pineal gland • AND (proteomics)}} Proteomics of Pineal gland
| group10 = Newstories on Pineal gland
| list10 = Pineal gland in the news • Be alerted to news on Pineal gland • News trends on Pineal gland</small>
| group11 = Commentary on Pineal gland
| list11 =
Blogs on Pineal gland
| group12 = Patient Resources on Pineal gland | list12 = Patient resources on Pineal gland • Discussion groups on Pineal gland • Patient Handouts on Pineal gland • Directions to Hospitals Treating Pineal gland • Risk calculators and risk factors for Pineal gland
| group13 = Healthcare Provider Resources on Pineal gland
| list13 =
Symptoms of Pineal gland • Causes & Risk Factors for Pineal gland • Diagnostic studies for Pineal gland • Treatment of Pineal gland
| group14 = Continuing Medical Education (CME) Programs on Pineal gland | list14 = CME Programs on Pineal gland
| group15 = International Resources on Pineal gland | list15 = Pineal gland en Espanol • Pineal gland en Francais
| group16 = Business Resources on Pineal gland | list16 = Pineal gland in the Marketplace • Patents on Pineal gland
| group17 = Informatics Resources on Pineal gland | list17 = List of terms related to Pineal gland
}}cs:Šišinka
de:Zirbeldrüse
el:Επίφυσηgl:Glándula pinealko:송과선
it:Ghiandola pineale
he:בלוטת האצטרובל
la:Glandula pinealis
lt:Kankorėžinė liauka
mk:Епифиза
nl:Epifyse
no:Konglekjertelensimple:Pineal gland
sk:Šuškovité teliesko
sl:Češerika
fi:Käpyrauhanen
sv:Tallkottkörteln
uk:Епіфіз
Table of Contents In Alphabetical Order | By Individual Diseases | Signs and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Lab Tests | Drugs
Editor Tools Become an Editor | Editors Help Menu | Create a Page | Edit a Page | Upload a Picture or File | Printable version | Permanent link | Maintain Pages | What Pages Link HereThere is no pharmaceutical or device industry support for this site and we need your viewer supported Donations | Editorial Board | Governance | Licensing | Disclaimers | Avoid Plagiarism | Policies
