title: Photosensitivity and biosynthesis of indole compounds in the cells of the receptor line of the pineal organ of the pike.
abstract: The pineal organ of the pike is a functional photoreceptive organ in which a multiplicity of the cells of the receptor line (CRL i.e. typical and modified photoreceptors) was demonstrated. The CRL appeared to be (i) regionally distributed, (ii) photosensitive, and (iii) responsible for the storage of various indoles (melatonin and precursors), their levels showing light-dark fluctuations. It is strongly suggested that CRL are photoneuroendocrine transducers in which photoperiodic stimuli are converted into nervous (typical photoreceptors) and neurohumoral (all CRL) messages, displaying circadian variations. CRL appeared to be one of the components by which environmental lighting influences physiological and behavioral processes in fish.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D005399:Fishes / Q000502:physiology*; D007211:Indoles / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008027:Light; D008550:Melatonin / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010786:Photoreceptor Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012701:Serotonin / Q000096:biosynthesis
chemical_list: D007211:Indoles; D012701:Serotonin; D008550:Melatonin