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The Pineal and Its Indole Products: Basic Aspects and Clinical Applications

  • Chapter
The Brain as an Endocrine Organ

Part of the book series: Endocrinology and Metabolism ((EAM,volume 3))

Abstract

After decades of conflicting findings concerning the functions of the pineal, research within the last 20 years has finally begun to unravel the complex interactions of this ubiquitously acting gland. Indeed, this complexity has accounted in part for the long delay in solving the mysteries of this important organ of internal secretion. Additionally, the seeming unconventional nature of its interactions and the species variations in response to the pineal and its constituents have made elucidation of the functions of the pineal gland difficult and sometimes frustrating. It is, however, yielding to the steady onslaught of investigation; whereas the last two decades have proven productive in partially clarifying the biochemistry and physiology of the pineal, research in the years ahead will undoubtedly be even more rewarding.

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Authors
  1. Russel J. Reiter
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, 07103, USA

    Margo Panush Cohen M.D., Ph.D. (Professor of Medicine, Director) (Professor of Medicine, Director)

  2. Institute for Metabolic Research, University City Science Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA

    Margo Panush Cohen M.D., Ph.D. (Professor of Medicine, Director) (Professor of Medicine, Director)

  3. Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, 48202, USA

    Piero P. Foà M.D., Sc.D. (Professor Emeritus of Physiology, Chairman Emeritus) (Professor Emeritus of Physiology, Chairman Emeritus)

  4. Department of Research, Sinai Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, 48202, USA

    Piero P. Foà M.D., Sc.D. (Professor Emeritus of Physiology, Chairman Emeritus) (Professor Emeritus of Physiology, Chairman Emeritus)

  5. 2104 Rhine Road, West Bloomfield, Michigan, 48033, USA

    Piero P. Foà M.D., Sc.D. (Professor Emeritus of Physiology, Chairman Emeritus) (Professor Emeritus of Physiology, Chairman Emeritus)

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Reiter, R.J. (1989). The Pineal and Its Indole Products: Basic Aspects and Clinical Applications. In: Cohen, M.P., Foà, P.P. (eds) The Brain as an Endocrine Organ. Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol 3. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3480-7_4

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