Pineal hormones and their functions in the body
The content of the article:
-
Functions of pineal gland hormones
- Melatonin
- Serotonin
- Adrenoglomerulotropin
- Dimethyltryptamine
- Video
Pineal hormones are biologically active substances that are produced by the pineal gland (pineal gland, pineal gland). The gland resembles a lump in structure, belongs to the diffuse endocrine system and is located in the region of the midbrain quadruple, between the bridge and the diencephalon.
The pineal gland, or pineal gland, is part of the brain
The pineal gland is composed primarily of pinealocytes, or pineal cells, which are its main secretory cells. The functional role of the pineal gland is still insufficiently understood. Just like the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, it produces triggering hormones - biologically active substances that affect other endocrine glands and the body as a whole.
Functions of pineal gland hormones
Biologically active substances, which are synthesized by the pineal gland, inhibit the bioelectric activity of the brain.
What hormones does the pineal gland produce:
| Biologically active substance | Explanation and function |
| Melatonin | The main hormone of the gland, the regulator of circadian rhythms |
| Serotonin | One of the main neurotransmitters in the body |
| Adrenoglomerulotropin | Influences the secretory activity of the adrenal glands |
| Dimethyltryptamine | Serotonin receptor agonist, psychedelic |
To restore functional changes in the pineal gland, it is necessary to eliminate factors that have a negative effect on the functioning of the gland:
- Ensure adequate sleep and wakefulness during the day.
- Eliminate long-term work at the computer and excess artificial lighting.
- Avoid head injuries.
Melatonin
The pineal gland secretes melatonin into the blood, which is produced from serotonin and is involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms. The substance practically does not affect the depth of sleep. The pineal gland is the main source of melatonin in the human body (it produces about 80% of this substance), in addition, melatonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract (in particular, in the cells of the appendix) and a number of other organs.
Melatonin synthesis is blocked by bright light, the effect of which on the gland occurs through the nerve pathways that enter the photoneuroendocrine system. Melatonin is characterized by daily fluctuations in concentration. Its maximum level is observed between 00:00 and 05:00. Less melatonin is produced in summer and in winter. A change in the rhythm of production occurs when moving to other time zones.
In a normal day (with sleep at night) at night, humans produce 70% of the total daily production of melatonin. With insufficient duration of sleep, its synthesis at night decreases, approaching the daytime level.
The functions of melatonin include:
- regulation of blood pressure;
- decreased mental and physical activity;
- slowdown in growth and sexual development in children;
- increased production of antibodies;
- slowing down aging;
- participation in the regulation of the functions of the thyroid gland and thymus;
- inhibition of the production of gonadotropins, as well as other hormones of the anterior pituitary gland;
- decrease in the concentration of glucose and cholesterol in the blood;
- improving learning ability;
- antioxidant action.
Melatonin is one of the few hormones that have nuclear and membrane receptors. Its transport is carried out by means of serum albumin, after release from which melatonin binds to receptors located on the membrane of target cells, penetrates into the cell nucleus, where it produces its effect. It is hydrolyzed in the liver and excreted in the urine.
With age, due to a decrease in the activity of the pineal gland, the level of melatonin decreases, which leads to the appearance of age-related sleep disorders (superficial sleep, insomnia). Also, a violation of melatonin secretion can occur against the background of stress, prolonged stay in front of a computer monitor.
Disruption of melatonin synthesis causes the following conditions:
- weekend insomnia;
- insomnia against the background of a shift work schedule;
- sleep phase delay syndrome;
- jetlag (time zone change syndrome);
- daytime sleepiness;
- nightmares;
- deterioration of the condition of the skin, hair;
- depressive conditions.
Serotonin
Serotonin is one of the main neurotransmitters and is also known as the "happiness hormone" or "good mood hormone". Sunlight is needed to produce serotonin. Norepinephrine inhibits its release.
Serotonin is involved in the regulation of vascular tone, as well as (together with dopamine) in the regulation of the hormonal function of the pituitary gland by the hypothalamus.
Plays an important role in blood coagulation processes:
- increases the functional activity of platelets;
- increases the tendency of platelets to form blood clots;
- stimulates the production of coagulation factors by the liver.
A large amount of serotonin is also produced in the intestine and is involved in the regulation of secretion and motility of the digestive tract, in particular, increases secretory activity and peristalsis.
Serotonin is found in large quantities in the uterus and a number of other organs and tissues, and is involved in the coordination of labor. In men, serotonin, when blood levels rise, can delay the onset of ejaculation.
Serotonin is involved in the development of allergic and inflammatory reactions:
- increases the permeability of blood vessels;
- enhances the migration of leukocytes to the inflammation focus;
- increases the number of eosinophils in the blood.
Winter lack of ultraviolet radiation, which is necessary for the synthesis of serotonin, can lead to the development of seasonal depressions. A decrease in the level of the hormone in the blood can lead to increased sensitivity to pain, the development of migraines.
The pineal gland produces a "happiness hormone" - serotonin
An excess of serotonin causes serotonin syndrome. This can occur with the concomitant use of antidepressants that belong to the classes of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, as well as drugs. At the same time, a person has mental disorders, neuromuscular disorders, signs of autonomic dysfunction, and a possible death.
The amino acid tryptophan, from which serotonin is produced, is found in dairy products, soy, dark chocolate, plums, tomatoes, and dried fruits.
Adrenoglomerulotropin
Adrenoglomerulotropin is a pineal hormone produced by biotransformation of melatonin. Among the main target cells of this substance are the cells of the glomerular zone of the adrenal cortex.
Adrenoglomerulotropin stimulates the synthesis of aldosterone, which is the main mineralocorticoid in humans (not in all vertebrates).
The psychoactive effect of adrenoglomerulotropin on humans is not fully understood.
Dimethyltryptamine
Dimethyltryptamine is an endogenous psychedelic substance produced by the pineal gland in small amounts during REM sleep. This substance in certain concentrations can cause visual and auditory hallucinations, impaired perception of time and the surrounding space, an altered state of consciousness. Based on the results obtained by the performers in the course of separate studies, it can be assumed that dimethyltryptamine is used by the human body to create the visual effects of natural dreams.
Dimethyltryptamine is synthesized from the proteinogenic amino acid L-tryptophan, and its structure resembles serotonin.
Video
We offer for viewing a video on the topic of the article.
Anna Aksenova Medical journalist About the author
Education: 2004-2007 "First Kiev Medical College" specialty "Laboratory Diagnostics".
Found a mistake in the text? Select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
