The pineal gland of the mole (Talpa europaea L.) III. A fluorescence histochemical study.
The pineal gland of the mole, a mammal which lives in permanent darkness, has been studied using fluorescence histochemistry. An extensive catecholaminergic innervation is demonstrated. A yellow formaldehyde-induced fluorescence, characteristic of indoleamines, was not observed. If formaldehyde vapour treatment was omitted in the procedure, numerous cells containing yellow-orange autofluorescent material could be shown. The nature and possible function of this material is discussed.
D000818:Animals; D001679:Biogenic Amines / Q000032:analysis*; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000032:analysis; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000032:analysis; D004805:Ependyma / Q000032:analysis / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007312:Eulipotyphla / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D005557:Formaldehyde; D008297:Male; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008971:Moles / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012621:Seasons; D014363:Tryptamines / Q000032:analysis
D001679:Biogenic Amines; D002395:Catecholamines; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D014363:Tryptamines; D005557:Formaldehyde