title: Some aspects of the pineal gland function.
abstract: Rhythmic production of melatonin by the mammalian pineal gland occurs in response to noradrenergic stimulation which produces a cascade of biochemical events within the pinealocyte. Melatonin is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including seasonal reproduction and diurnal activity rhythms. It was recently discovered that melatonin is a very potent hydroxyl radical scavenger, reinforcing its relationship with the aging process and the immune system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, SP, Brasil.
authors.forename: K O
authors.initials: KO
authors.lastname: Nonaka
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008322:Mammals; D008550:Melatonin / Q000502:physiology*; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D008550:Melatonin