Adreno-active substances and the pineal gland

Abstract

The pineal gland, a biochemically very active neuroendocrine transducer which is innervated by the sympathetic nervous system, was used in vivo to evaluate the effect of different þ-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists on pineal enzyme levels. Hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT), an enzyme with a circadian activity and unknown control was not significantly affected by these drugs. The activity of serotonin N-acetyltransferase, another pineal enzyme with a greater amplitude of circadian rhythmicity and which is under noradrenergic neural control, the degree of blockade depending on the selectivity and affinity of the agent used. An attempt was also made to alter the oestrous cycle of the rat by dosing with þ-active substances. Only propranolol had any effect on the oestrous cycle. It was not possible to establish an absolute link between the alteration in pineal enzyme activity and an influence on the oestrous cycle. It was concluded that the pineal enzyme studies are useful pharmacological means for evaluating þ-active substances