[Melatonin in the pineal organ, retina and plasma. Immunologic study in the pigeon].
Circadian variations in melatonin content have been studied in the pineal organ, retina and plasma of adult pigeons using radioimmunoassay. A clear-cut peak of melatonin was observed in the pineal organ at middark; this middark peak was of larger amplitude in July than in November. A nocturnal rise in melatonin concentration was also observed in the retina and plasma. We also used an immunocytochemical technique revealing the positive reactions of a melatonin-like compound in the photoreceptor cell layer (inner segments) of the pigeon's retina. Up to now, no melatonin storage has been visualized in the pineal organ of the pigeon.
D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D010856:Columbidae / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D010786:Photoreceptor Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000378:metabolism*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012160:Retina / Q000378:metabolism*; D012621:Seasons
D008550:Melatonin
Mélatonine dans l'organe pinéal, la rétine et le plasma. Etude immunologique chez le Pigeon.