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. 1963 Nov 22;142(3595):1071-3.
doi: 10.1126/science.142.3595.1071.

MELATONIN SYNTHESIS IN THE PINEAL GLAND: CONTROL BY LIGHT

R J WURTMAN, J AXELROD, L S PHILLIPS

MELATONIN SYNTHESIS IN THE PINEAL GLAND: CONTROL BY LIGHT

R J WURTMAN et al. Science. .

Abstract

In rats placed in continuous darkness for 6 days, there is a striking increase in the activity of melatonin-synthesizing-enzyme (hydroxyindole-0-methyl transferase) in the pineal gland, but no change in the activity of monoamine oxidase. Since melatonin appears to have a hormonal role in mammals, and its synthesis is confined to the pineal gland, the inhibition of hydroxyindole-O-methyl transferase by light may constitute a mechanism of neuroendocrine regulation.

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