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Gynecological Endocrinology : the... Feb 2015As the Higgs boson could be a key to unlocking mysteries regarding our Universe, melatonin, a somewhat mysterious substance secreted by the pineal gland primarily at... (Review)
Review
As the Higgs boson could be a key to unlocking mysteries regarding our Universe, melatonin, a somewhat mysterious substance secreted by the pineal gland primarily at night, might be a crucial factor in regulating numerous processes in human reproduction. Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant which has an essential role in controlling several physiological reactions, as well as biological rhythms throughout human reproductive life. Melatonin, which is referred to as a hormone, but also as an autocoid, a chronobiotic, a hypnotic, an immunomodulator and a biological modifier, plays a crucial part in establishing homeostatic, neurohumoral balance and circadian rhythm in the body through synergic actions with other hormones and neuropeptides. This paper aims to analyze the effects of melatonin on the reproductive function, as well as to shed light on immunological and oncostatic properties of one of the most powerful hormones.
Topics: Circadian Rhythm; Embryonic Development; Female; Humans; Male; Melatonin; Ovarian Follicle; Pineal Gland; Pregnancy; Puberty; Reproduction
PubMed: 25377724
DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2014.978851 -
Journal of Neurosurgery Jun 2017OBJECTIVE A common approach to lesions of the pineal region is along the midline below the torcula. However, reports of how shifting the approach off midline affects the...
OBJECTIVE A common approach to lesions of the pineal region is along the midline below the torcula. However, reports of how shifting the approach off midline affects the surgical exposure and relationships between the tributaries of the vein of Galen are limited. The purpose of this study is to examine the microsurgical and endoscopic anatomy of the pineal region as seen through the supracerebellar infratentorial approaches, including midline, paramedian, lateral, and far-lateral routes. METHODS The quadrigeminal cisterns of 8 formalin-fixed adult cadaveric heads were dissected and examined with the aid of a surgical microscope and straight endoscope. Twenty CT angiograms were examined to measure the depth of the pineal gland, slope of the tentorial surface of the cerebellum, and angle of approach to the pineal gland in each approach. RESULTS The midline supracerebellar route is the shortest and provides direct exposure of the pineal gland, although the culmen and inferior and superior vermian tributaries of the vein of Galen frequently block this exposure. The off-midline routes provide a surgical exposure that, although slightly deeper, may reduce the need for venous sacrifice at both the level of the veins from the superior cerebellar surface entering the tentorial sinuses and at the level of the tributaries of the vein of Galen in the quadrigeminal cistern, and require less cerebellar retraction. Shifting from midline to off-midline exposure also provides a better view of the cerebellomesencephalic fissure, collicular plate, and trochlear nerve than the midline approaches. Endoscopic assistance may aid exposure of the pineal gland while preserving the bridging veins. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the characteristics of different infratentorial routes to the pineal gland will aid in gaining a better view of the pineal gland and cerebellomesencephalic fissure and may reduce the need for venous sacrifice at the level of the tentorial sinuses draining the upper cerebellar surface and the tributaries of the vein of Galen.
Topics: Cerebellum; Humans; Microsurgery; Neuroendoscopy; Neuronavigation; Neurosurgical Procedures; Pineal Gland
PubMed: 27715436
DOI: 10.3171/2016.7.JNS16277 -
BMC Genomic Data Feb 2021Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been identified as important regulator in hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis associated with sheep prolificacy. However, little is known...
BACKGROUND
Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been identified as important regulator in hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis associated with sheep prolificacy. However, little is known of their expression pattern and potential roles in the pineal gland of sheep. Herein, RNA-Seq was used to detect transcriptome expression pattern in pineal gland between follicular phase (FP) and luteal phase (LP) in FecB (MM) and FecB (ww) STH sheep, respectively, and differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and mRNAs associated with reproduction were identified.
RESULTS
Overall, 135 DE lncRNAs and 1360 DE mRNAs in pineal gland between MM and ww sheep were screened. Wherein, 39 DE lncRNAs and 764 DE mRNAs were identified (FP vs LP) in MM sheep, 96 DE lncRNAs and 596 DE mRNAs were identified (FP vs LP) in ww sheep. Moreover, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the targets of DE lncRNAs and DE mRNAs were annotated to multiple biological processes such as phototransduction, circadian rhythm, melanogenesis, GSH metabolism and steroid biosynthesis, which directly or indirectly participate in hormone activities to affect sheep reproductive performance. Additionally, co-expression of lncRNAs-mRNAs and the network construction were performed based on correlation analysis, DE lncRNAs can modulate target genes involved in related pathways to affect sheep fecundity. Specifically, XLOC_466330, XLOC_532771, XLOC_028449 targeting RRM2B and GSTK1, XLOC_391199 targeting STMN1, XLOC_503926 targeting RAG2, XLOC_187711 targeting DLG4 were included.
CONCLUSION
All of these differential lncRNAs and mRNAs expression profiles in pineal gland provide a novel resource for elucidating regulatory mechanism underlying STH sheep prolificacy.
Topics: Animals; Female; Follicular Phase; Genotype; Luteal Phase; Pineal Gland; RNA, Long Noncoding; RNA, Messenger; Sheep; Transcriptome
PubMed: 33602139
DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00957-w -
Journal of Pineal Research Jan 2024The pineal gland has evolved from a photoreceptive organ in fish to a neuroendocrine organ in mammals. This study integrated multiple daytime single-cell RNA-seq...
The pineal gland has evolved from a photoreceptive organ in fish to a neuroendocrine organ in mammals. This study integrated multiple daytime single-cell RNA-seq datasets from the pineal glands of zebrafish, rats, and monkeys, providing a detailed examination of the evolutionary transition at single-cell resolution. We identified key factors responsible for the anatomical and functional transformation of the pineal gland. We retrieved and integrated daytime single-cell transcriptomic datasets from the pineal glands of zebrafish, rats, and monkeys, resulting in a total of 22 431 cells after rigorous quality filtering. Comparative analysis was then conducted to elucidate the evolution of pineal cells, their photosensitivity, their role in melatonin production, and the signaling processes within the glands of these species. Our analysis identified distinct cellular compositions of the pineal gland in zebrafish, rats, and monkeys. Zebrafish photoreceptors exhibited comprehensive phototransduction gene expression, while specific genes, including transducin (Gngt1, Gnb3, and Gngt2) and phosducin (Pdc), were consistently present in mammalian pinealocytes. We found transcriptional similarities between the pineal gland and retina, underscoring shared evolutionary and functional pathways. Zebrafish displayed unique light-responsive circadian gene activity compared to rats and monkeys. Key ligand-receptor interactions were identified, especially involving MDK and PTN, influencing melatonin synthesis across species. Furthermore, we observed species-specific GPCR (G protein-coupled receptors) expressions related to melatonin synthesis and their alignment with retinal expressions. Our findings also highlighted specific transcription factors (TFs) and regulatory networks associated with pineal gland evolution and function. Our study provides a detailed analysis of the pineal gland's evolution from fish to mammals. We identified key transcriptional changes and controls that highlight the gland's functional diversity. Notably, we found significant ligand-receptor interactions influencing melatonin synthesis and demonstrated parallels between pineal and retinal expressions. These insights enhance our understanding of the pineal gland's role in phototransduction, melatonin production, and circadian rhythms in vertebrates.
Topics: Animals; Rats; Pineal Gland; Melatonin; Zebrafish; Ligands; Circadian Rhythm; Mammals
PubMed: 38018267
DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12927 -
Sleep Oct 2018Previous studies have shown that coffee consumption may suppress the production of melatonin in pinealocytes through competitive inhibition of adenosine A2 receptors by...
STUDY OBJECTIVES
Previous studies have shown that coffee consumption may suppress the production of melatonin in pinealocytes through competitive inhibition of adenosine A2 receptors by caffeine. We investigated the impact of lifetime coffee consumption on pineal gland volume and the resulting effects on sleep quality.
METHODS
We enrolled 162 cognitively normal elderly individuals among the participants in the Korean Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Aging and Dementia. We evaluated the patterns and amounts of coffee consumption using a study-specific standardized interview and assessed sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. We measured the volume of pineal parenchyma (VPP) by manually segmenting the pineal gland on high-resolution three-dimensional T1-weighted magnetic resonance images. We examined the impact of lifetime coffee consumption on the VPP and the resulting effects on sleep quality using analysis of covariance, multiple linear regression, and mediation analyses.
RESULTS
We found that smaller VPP was associated with higher cumulative lifetime coffee consumption. Participants who consumed more than 60 cup-years of coffee had VPPs that were smaller by about 20% than individuals who consumed less than 60 cup-years of coffee. The VPP mediated the association between lifetime coffee consumption and sleep efficiency and quality.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that high lifetime coffee consumption may reduce VPP, and that this reduction in VPP may impair the quality of sleep in late life.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Caffeine; Coffee; Cognition; Dementia; Female; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Linear Models; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Melatonin; Middle Aged; Pineal Gland; Sleep
PubMed: 30011049
DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsy127 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Nov 2014The pineal gland (CP) is located centrally in the brain and produces melatonin. Cysts and concrements are frequent findings on MRI but their significance is still... (Review)
Review
The pineal gland (CP) is located centrally in the brain and produces melatonin. Cysts and concrements are frequent findings on MRI but their significance is still unclear. The visualization of CP is difficult due to its location and surrounding structures and so far, no standardized method exists. New studies suggest a correlation between CP-morphology and melatonin secretion as well as a connection between melatonin, disturbed circadian rhythm, and the development of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, underlining the need for a standardized approach to CP on MRI.
Topics: Circadian Rhythm; Cysts; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Melatonin; Pineal Gland
PubMed: 25394927
DOI: No ID Found -
Morphologie : Bulletin de L'Association... Jun 2023The current study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Osmania Medical College, Koti, Hyderabad over a period of 1year. A total of 30 human pineal glands...
The current study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Osmania Medical College, Koti, Hyderabad over a period of 1year. A total of 30 human pineal glands (16-males,11-females,3 excluded for post-mortem autolysis) from those bodies between the age groups of 1-80years were collected during the post-mortem study at the Mortuary of Osmania General Hospital, Koti, Hyderabad and were included in the study. Morphological parameters like weight and transverse diameter at the maximum width of the pineal glands were measured and then the pineal glands were processed for light microscopy. 4-5micron thick sections were cut and stained with H&E and Masson Trichrome for highlighting the connective tissue pattern of the pineal gland. Under light microscope, the capsular delineation, pattern of septation and lobulation, calcification, intracellular brown pigment, intraparenchymal inflammatory cells, fibrosis, gliosis and cystic changes in the pineal glands were observed in relation to age and gender.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Infant; Child, Preschool; Child; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Pineal Gland; Calcinosis; Calcification, Physiologic; Staining and Labeling; Microscopy
PubMed: 35786527
DOI: 10.1016/j.morpho.2022.06.095 -
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira... 2015The pineal gland is responsible for producing a hormone called melatonin (MEL), and is accepted as the gland that regulates reproduction in mammals. Prolactin (PRL) also... (Review)
Review
The pineal gland is responsible for producing a hormone called melatonin (MEL), and is accepted as the gland that regulates reproduction in mammals. Prolactin (PRL) also exhibits reproductive activity in animals in response to photoperiod. It is known that the concentrations of PRL are high in the summer and reduced during winter, the opposite of what is seen with melatonin in these seasons. In placental mammals, both prolactin and melatonin affect implantation, which is considered a critical point of pregnancy, since a successful pregnancy requires the development of a synchronous interaction between the endometrium and blastocyst for placental development. It is also known that PRL levels during pregnancy are essential for the maintenance of pregnancy, because this hormone induces the corpus luteum to produce progesterone, in addition to stimulating blastocyst implantation to maintain pregnancy and form the placenta. However, melatonin levels in plasma have also been shown to increase during pregnancy, peaking at the end of this period, which suggests that this hormone plays an important role in the maintenance of pregnancy. Thus, it is clear that treatment with prolactin or melatonin interferes with the processes responsible for the development and maintenance of pregnancy.
Topics: Animals; Blastocyst; Cell Proliferation; Embryo Implantation; Female; Humans; Melatonin; Photoperiod; Pineal Gland; Pregnancy; Prolactin; Reproduction
PubMed: 26248251
DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.61.03.269 -
Journal of Pineal Research Mar 2021Our daily rhythmicity is controlled by a circadian clock with a specific set of genes located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus. Mast cells (MCs) are... (Review)
Review
Our daily rhythmicity is controlled by a circadian clock with a specific set of genes located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus. Mast cells (MCs) are major effector cells that play a protective role against pathogens and inflammation. MC distribution and activation are associated with the circadian rhythm via two major pathways, IgE/FcεRI- and IL-33/ST2-mediated signaling. Furthermore, there is a robust oscillation between clock genes and MC-specific genes. Melatonin is a hormone derived from the amino acid tryptophan and is produced primarily in the pineal gland near the center of the brain, and histamine is a biologically active amine synthesized from the decarboxylation of the amino acid histidine by the L-histidine decarboxylase enzyme. Melatonin and histamine are previously reported to modulate circadian rhythms by pathways incorporating various modulators in which the nuclear factor-binding near the κ light-chain gene in B cells, NF-κB, is the common key factor. NF-κB interacts with the core clock genes and disrupts the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine mediators such as IL-6, IL-13, and TNF-α. Currently, there has been no study evaluating the interdependence between melatonin and histamine with respect to circadian oscillations in MCs. Accumulating evidence suggests that restoring circadian rhythms in MCs by targeting melatonin and histamine via NF-κB may be promising therapeutic strategy for MC-mediated inflammatory diseases. This review summarizes recent findings for circadian-mediated MC functional roles and activation paradigms, as well as the therapeutic potentials of targeting circadian-mediated melatonin and histamine signaling in MC-dependent inflammatory diseases.
Topics: Animals; Circadian Rhythm; Histamine; Histidine Decarboxylase; Humans; Interleukin-13; Interleukin-6; Mast Cells; Melatonin; Pineal Gland; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
PubMed: 33020940
DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12699 -
Identifying daily changes in circRNAs and circRNA-associated-ceRNA networks in the rat pineal gland.International Journal of Medical... 2021Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of covalently closed circular RNA molecules that are involved in many biological processes. However, information about circRNAs...
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of covalently closed circular RNA molecules that are involved in many biological processes. However, information about circRNAs in the pineal gland, particularly that of rats, is limited. To establish resources for the study of the rat pineal gland, we performed transcriptome analysis of the pineal glands during the day and night. In this study, 1413 circRNAs and 1989 miRNAs were identified in the pineal gland of rats during the night and day using the Illumina platform. Forty differentially expressed circRNAs and 93 differentially expressed miRNAs were obtained, among which 20 circRNAs and 37 miRNAs were significantly upregulated during the day and 20 circRNAs and 56 miRNAs were significantly upregulated during the night. As circRNAs have been reported to work as miRNA sponges, we predicted 15940 interactions among 40 circRNAs, 93 miRNAs and 400 mRNAs with differential diurnal expression using miRanda and TargetScan to build a ceRNA regulatory network in the rat pineal gland. The diurnal expression profile of circRNAs in the rat pineal gland may provide additional information about the role of circRNAs in regulating changes in melatonin circadian rhythms. The analyzed data reported in this study will be an important resource for future studies to elucidate the altered physiology of circRNAs in diurnal rhythms.
Topics: Animals; Circadian Rhythm; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Expression Regulation; Gene Regulatory Networks; Male; Melatonin; MicroRNAs; Models, Animal; Photoperiod; Pineal Gland; RNA, Circular; RNA, Messenger; Rats
PubMed: 33526984
DOI: 10.7150/ijms.51743