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The primary function of the pinealocytes is the secretion of the hormone melatonin, important in the regulation of circadian rhythms. [1] In humans, the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus communicates the message of darkness to the pinealocytes, and as a result, controls the day and night cycle. [2]
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 nervous and endocrine systems often act together in a process called neuroendocrine integration, to regulate the physiological processes of the human body. Neuroendocrinology arose from the recognition that the brain, especially the hypothalamus , controls secretion of pituitary gland hormones, and has subsequently expanded to investigate ...
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]
More specifically, in humans, the SCO development has a regressive nature. It reaches its apex development in fetus from 3 to 5 month old, functioning as a fully active secretory structure of the brain during this time span, and extending from the pineal recess over the posterior commissure to the mesocoelic recess.
[1] [3] The neuronal and hormonal activities it generates regulate many different body functions in an approximately 24-hour cycle. The SCN also interacts with many other regions of the brain. It contains several cell types, neurotransmitters and peptides , including vasopressin and vasoactive intestinal peptide .
The melanocyte-stimulating hormones, known collectively as MSH, also known as melanotropins or intermedins, are a family of peptide hormones and neuropeptides consisting of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), β-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (β-MSH), and γ-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (γ-MSH) that are produced by cells in the pars intermedia of the anterior lobe of the pituitary ...
In contrast to insulin, the fetal plasma glucagon levels are relatively high and continue to increase during development. [15] At the mid-stage of gestation, the glucagon concentration is 6 μg/g, compared to 2 μg/g in adult humans. Just like insulin, fetal glucagon plasma levels do not change in response to an infusion of glucose. [16]