Magnetic field of the earth as additional zeitgeber for endogenous rhythms?
The influence of 50% decrease and increase of the earth magnetic field on the activity of the enzymes hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT) and N-acetyl-serotonintransferase (NAT) is proved in vivo and in vitro. NAT and HIOMT catalyse the melatonin biosynthesis in the pineal gland and in the retina. Our results support the hypothesis of Leask and Schulten, that molecular magnetic field sensitivity is the basis of animals' magnetic field detection.
D000121:Acetylserotonin O-Methyltransferase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens; D055593:Geological Phenomena; D005844:Geology; D008280:Magnetics; D008550:Melatonin / Q000096:biosynthesis; D010507:Periodicity; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000201:enzymology*; D011784:Quail; D012160:Retina / Q000201:enzymology*
D000121:Acetylserotonin O-Methyltransferase; D008550:Melatonin