title: Noradrenergic innervation of human pineal gland: abnormalities in aging and Alzheimer's disease.
abstract: Using previously characterized polyclonal antibody directed against dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), immunoreactive fibers were demonstrable in pineals of 6 controls of various ages and of 3 individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Abnormal, swollen axons were present in pineals from aged individuals and from individuals with AD. The pathology of noradrenergic axons in a structure innervated by the superior cervical ganglion suggests that peripheral noradrenergic systems may be affected in aging and in AD.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Mental Health, Clinical Brain Disorders Branch, Washington, DC.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Jengeleski
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Powers
authors.forename: D T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Price
mesh_terms: D000320:Adrenergic Fibers / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000254:growth & development / Q000294:innervation* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase