CONTROL OF THE CIRCADIAN RHYTHM IN SEROTONIN CONTENT OF THE RAT PINEAL GLAND

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The presence of a circadian rhythm in serotonin content of the rat pineal gland has been confirmed. This rhythm persists in blinded rats and in rats kept in constant darkness but is abolished by one additional period of light. The suppressive effects of light exposure act via the retinae. The rhythm is unaffected by hypo-physectomy, thyroidectomy, adrenalectomy, or oophorectomy. Superior cervical ganglionectomy or decentralization of the superior cervical ganglia abolishes the pineal serotonin rhythm.