Rôle de l'épiphyse dans la migration du pigment épithélial rétinien chez quelques Téléostéens

Abstract

The role of the pineal organ (epiphysis) in the migration of the retinal epithelial pigment in response to changes in ambient light conditions was investigated [in Salmo irideus and Cyprinus carpio]. Pinealectomy and section of the optic nerves and the spinal cord allowed the conclusion that the influence of the nervous system is minimal or lacking in this phenomenon, which seems to be controlled mainly by a humoral factor. Pigment migration within retinal cells is directly affected by intraocular injection of melatonin. The results suggest that a humoral factor of the pineal organ, possibly melatonin, may play a role in the physiological control of retinal pigment-granule movements.