title: Ultrastructure and biochemistry of the pineal organ in deep-sea lanternfishes (Myctophidae).
abstract: Pineal structural and biochemical adaptations in lanternfishes included: 1) few photoreceptor outer segment discs; 2) conventional synapses between photoreceptors and pineal neurons; and 3) low levels (0-60 pg/pineal) of serotonin compared to those (greater than 1.0 ng/pineal) in the goldfish pineal organ. These findings suggest reduced photosensory and/or neuroendocrine functions in these deep-sea fishes.
authors: Department of Anatomy, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois 60153.
authors: J A
authors: JA
authors: McNulty
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Neighbors
authors: M H
authors: MH
authors: Horn
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005399:Fishes / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D008027:Light; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D012701:Serotonin; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid