What is the Pineal Gland?

The Pineal gland is located in the brain directly above the spinal cord and is ruffly the size of a grain of rice. Mainly produces and secretes melatonin and helps maintain circadian rhythms. Pinoline is a bi product of melatonin production, and is considered in the class of anti-depressant. The pineal gland is also thought to help with metabolism and sexual development.

Hormones of the Pineal Gland

Melatonin: Is a hormone primarily responsible for regulating sleep patterns, by receiving information from the retina about light levels. When the lights go out, melatonin starts working. Sexual development and metabolism is also thought to be affected by melatonin, but its affects are unclear.

Pinoline: This hormone is created as a bi-product of melatonin and is classified as a MAOI and possibly a free radical antioxidant scavenger. It has a role in maintaining mood as a anti-depressant chemical.

Dimethyltryptamine: DMT is a hormone who’s effect is unclear. It is thought to come from the pineal gland, because the only materials known to be create this hormone are located in the pineal gland. Many cultures believe it is an essential part of spiritual experiences being one of the only naturally occurring psychedelic chemicals as well the most powerful.

The pineal gland also known as: epiphysis cerbri, pineal body, and the third eye, receives signals from the nervous system that tell it if the retina is receiving light or not, via the suprachiasmatic nucleaus of the hypothalamus, down fibers into the spinal cord through the superior cervical ganglia into the post- ganglionic neurons which feed into the pineal body.

Cells of the Epiphysis Cerbri

Pinealocytes: These are the main cells are responsible for synthesizing and secreting melatonin.

Glial: These are the main cells are responsible for synthesizing and secreting melatonin.

Interstitial: These are the main cells are responsible for synthesizing and secreting melatonin.

Perivascular Phagocyte: These are the main cells are responsible for synthesizing and secreting melatonin.

Peptidergic neuron-like cells:: They are considered to possibly have paracrine regulatory functions.