Melatonin: parallels in pineal gland and retina

Abstract

It is apparent that several relationships exist between the pineal gland and retina. The similarities in development and morphology have been obvious for many years. A recent resurgence of interest in this field has led to a further understanding of many functional similarities between these two organs. A notable feature of the pineal gland and retina is their common ability to synthesize the indolamine hormone, melatonin. Many investigators suspect that the cyclic rhythm of retinal melatonin synthesis may be related to other cyclic events which normally occur in the retina.