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Synthesis of Serotonin by Pineal Glands of the Rat in Organ Culture

Abstract

THE pineal gland of the rat has been shown to contain large quantities of the indole serotonin1. This organ can also metabolize serotonin by a unique pathway to form the hormone melatonin (5-methoxy N-acetyltryptamine)2. The content of serotonin1,3 and the activity of the melatonin-forming enzyme4 in the pineal have been found to vary with a 24 h cycle. These rhythms are controlled by information transmitted to the pineal through its sympathetic nerves3,5.

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SHEIN, H., WURTMAN, R. & AXELROD, J. Synthesis of Serotonin by Pineal Glands of the Rat in Organ Culture. Nature 213, 730–731 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1038/213730a0

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