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The pineal gland (also known as the pineal body [1] or epiphysis cerebri) is a small endocrine gland in the brain of most vertebrates. It produces melatonin, a serotonin-derived hormone, which modulates sleep patterns following the diurnal cycles. [2] The shape of the gland resembles a pine cone, which gives it its name. [3]
Melatonin, an indoleamine, is a natural compound produced by various organisms, including bacteria and eukaryotes. [1] Its discovery in 1958 by Aaron B. Lerner and colleagues stemmed from the isolation of a substance from the pineal gland of cows that could induce skin lightening in common frogs.
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the brain that is also used as a dietary supplement and medication. [ 9 ] [ 12 ] As a hormone, melatonin is released by the pineal gland and is involved in sleep–wake cycles .
An abundance of cilia and centrioles has also been found in these Type 2 cells of the pineal gland. [7] Unique to the Type 2 is the presence of vacuoles containing 2 layers of membrane. [7] As Type 1 cells contain serotonin, Type 2 cells contain melatonin and are thought to have similar characteristics as endocrine and neuronal cells. [8]
The pineal gland is located in the diencephalon of the brain. It primarily releases melatonin, which influences daily rhythms and may have an antigonadotropic effect in humans. [citation needed] It may also influence the melanotropes and melanocytes located in the skin. [citation needed]
One expert says the sleep aid is "overused" by some families.
The epithalamus is associated with sleep disorders like insomnia revolving around circadian rhythms of sleep wake cycles. The close connection of the epithalamus with the limbic system regulates the secretion of melatonin by the pineal gland and the regulation of motor pathways and emotions. [9] The secretion of melatonin happens in a cycle.
Whitetails, among many other animals, have evolved a gland in their brain, hot-wired to the optic nerve that produces a hormone called melatonin in the Pineal gland. Sheep farmers use melatonin ...