Enzymes of the Human Pineal Body

Abstract

Pineal glands were obtained in a group of 33 adult male patients coming to autopsy. The glands were assayed for 5-hydroxytryptophane decarboxylase (5-HTPD), monoamine oxidase (MAO) and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT). The assays showed highly significant variations in activity but no correlation could be found between enzyme levels and gland weight, subject age or extent of calcification. It is evident that the enzyme levels in the pineal are subject to change in response to as yet unknown environmental and/or pathophysiological variables.