Pineal gland or pineal gland. The biological clock of our body is the pineal gland. Pineal gland "Third eye"

Epiphysis - (pineal, or pineal, gland), a small formation located in vertebrates under the scalp or deep in the brain; functions either as a light-receiving organ or as an endocrine gland, the activity of which depends on the illumination. In some vertebrate species, both functions are combined. In humans, this formation resembles a pine cone in shape, from which it got its name (Greek epiphysis - bump, growth). The epiphysis is given a pineal shape by the impulse growth and vascularization of the capillary network, which grows into the epiphyseal segments as this endocrine formation grows. The epiphysis protrudes caudally into the region of the midbrain and is located in the groove between the superior colliculus of the roof of the midbrain. The shape of the epiphysis is often ovoid, less often spherical or conical. The mass of the epiphysis in an adult is about 0.2 g, length 8-15 mm, width 6-10 mm (Fig. 33, Fig. 38, Fig. 39, Fig. 42, Fig. 43, Fig. 75).

By structure and function, the pineal gland belongs to the endocrine glands. Endocrine role pineal gland consists in the fact that its cells secrete substances that inhibit the activity of the pituitary gland until puberty, and also participate in the fine regulation of almost all types of metabolism. epiphyseal insufficiency in childhood entails rapid skeletal growth with premature and exaggerated development of the sex glands and premature and exaggerated development of secondary sexual characteristics.

The pineal gland is also a regulator of circadian rhythms, since it is indirectly connected with the visual system. Under the influence sunlight in daytime the pineal gland produces serotonin, and at night, melatonin. Both hormones are linked because serotonin is the precursor to melatonin.

The epiphysis is located in the groove between the superior colliculi of the quadrigemina and is attached by leashes to both visual mounds. The epiphysis is round in shape, its weight in an adult does not exceed 0.2 g. The epiphysis is covered on the outside with a connective tissue capsule, from which connective tissue trabeculae extend into the gland, dividing it into lobules consisting of cells of two types: glandular pinealocytes and glial. The function of pinealocytes has a clear daily rhythm: melatonin is synthesized at night, and serotonin is synthesized during the day. This rhythm is associated with illumination, while light causes inhibition of melatonin synthesis. The impact is carried out with the participation of the hypothalamus. It is now believed that the pineal gland regulates the function of the gonads, primarily puberty, and also acts as a "biological clock" that regulates circadian rhythms.

The pineal gland produces the hormone melatonin, which regulates the body's pigment metabolism and has an antigonadotropic effect. It is possible that other hormonal compounds can also be synthesized and accumulated in the pineal gland. The function of this gland is still not well understood.

The pineal gland develops in embryogenesis from the fornix (epithalamus) of the posterior part (diencephalon) forebrain. In lower vertebrates, such as lampreys, two similar structures can develop. One located with right side brain, is called the pineal, and the second, on the left, the parapineal gland. The pineal gland is present in all vertebrates, with the exception of crocodiles and some mammals, such as anteaters and armadillos. The parapineal gland in the form of a mature structure is present only in individual groups vertebrates such as lampreys, lizards and frogs.

Function. Where the pineal and parapineal glands function as a light-perceiving organ or "third eye", they can only distinguish varying degrees illumination, not visual images. In this capacity, they can determine some forms of behavior, for example, the vertical migration of deep-sea fish depending on the change of day and night.

In amphibians, the pineal gland performs secretory function: it produces the hormone melatonin, which brightens the skin of these animals by reducing the area occupied by the pigment in melanophores (pigment cells). Melatonin has also been found in birds and mammals; it is believed that in them it usually has an inhibitory effect, in particular, reduces the secretion of pituitary hormones.

In birds and mammals, the pineal gland plays the role of a neuroendocrine transducer that responds to nerve impulses hormone production. Thus, the light entering the eye stimulates the retina, the impulses from which optic nerves enter the sympathetic nervous system and pineal gland; these nerve signals cause inhibition of the activity of the epiphyseal enzyme necessary for the synthesis of melatonin; as a result, the production of the latter ceases. On the contrary, in the dark, melatonin begins to be produced again.

Thus, cycles of light and dark, or day and night, affect the secretion of melatonin. The resulting rhythmic changes in its level - high at night and low during the day - determine the daily, or circadian, biological rhythm in animals, including the frequency of sleep and fluctuations in body temperature. In addition, by responding to changes in night length by changing the amount of melatonin secreted, the pineal gland likely influences seasonal responses such as hibernation, migration, molting, and reproduction.

In humans, the activity of the pineal gland is associated with such phenomena as a violation of the daily rhythm of the body in connection with the flight through several time zones, sleep disorders and, probably, "winter depressions".

Outside, the pineal body is covered with a soft connective tissue membrane of the brain, which contains many anastomosing (connecting to each other) blood vessels. Cellular elements parenchyma are specialized glandular cells - pineocytes and glial cells - gliocytes.

The pineal gland primarily produces serotonin and melatonin, as well as norepinephrine, histamine. Peptide hormones and biogenic amines were found in the epiphysis. The main function of the pineal gland is the regulation of circadian (daily) biological rhythms, endocrine functions, metabolism (metabolism) and adaptation of the body to changing light conditions.

Melatonin determines the rhythm of gonadotropic effects, including the duration of the menstrual cycle in women. This hormone was originally isolated from the pineal bodies of cattle, and, as it turned out, it has an inhibitory effect on the function of the gonads, more precisely, it restrains growth hormone secreted by another gland (pituitary gland). After the removal of the pineal gland, chickens experience precocious puberty (the same effect occurs as a result of a tumor of the pineal gland). In mammals, removal of the pineal gland causes an increase in body weight, in males - hypertrophy (enlargement) of the testes and increased spermatogenesis, and in females - lengthening of the life span corpus luteum ovary and uterine enlargement.

Excess light inhibits the conversion of serotonin to melatonin. In the dark, on the contrary, the synthesis of melatonin is enhanced. This process is under the influence of enzymes, the activity of which also depends on the illumination. This explains the increase in the sexual activity of animals and birds in spring and summer, when, as a result of an increase in the length of the day, the secretion of the pineal gland is suppressed. Given that the pineal gland regulates a number of important reactions of the body, and due to the change in illumination, this regulation is cyclical, it can be considered a regulator of the "biological clock" in the body.

Pineal hormones inhibit the bioelectrical activity of the brain and neuropsychic activity, providing a hypnotic and sedative effect.

The functions of this gland remained incomprehensible for many, many years. Some regarded the gland as a rudimentary eye, previously intended to enable a person to protect himself from above. But structural analogue eyes such a gland - the epiphysis can be recognized only in lampreys, in reptiles, and not in us. In mystical literature, there was periodically a statement about the contact of this particular gland with a mysterious non-material thread that connects the head with the ethereal body hovering above each.

A description of this organ, supposedly capable of restoring images and experience of a past life, regulating the flow of thought and the balance of intellect, and carrying out telepathic communication, migrated from essay to essay. The French philosopher R. Descartes (XVII century) believed that the gland performs intermediary functions between spirits, that is, impressions coming from paired organs - eyes, ears, hands. Here, in the pineal gland, under the influence of "blood vapors" anger, joy, fear, sadness are formed. The fantasy of the great Frenchman endowed the piece of iron with the ability not only to move, but also to direct "animal spirits" through the pores of the brain along the nerves to the muscles. It was later found out that the pineal gland was not able to move.

The pineal gland of the brain - what is it, what is it for and where is it located? We will try to give an answer, starting with the fact that another name for this gland is the pineal gland, and also the pineal gland (pinea in Latin is pine, and, interestingly, the name of the prototype Pinocchio comes from the same root) by the similarity of the shape with a pine cone.

The pineal gland has not been studied enough, its functions are not entirely clear, since the location of the gland and its small size prevent its thorough study, and in the history of medicine, many mystical functions were attributed to this gland, discovered by Galen, it was considered the focus of the human soul.

Esotericists consider the pineal gland to be the “third” eye, the center of human consciousness, contributing to the manifestation psychic abilities, and try to stimulate the gland with music, light and all sorts of esoteric techniques.

So what are the features pineal gland could give rise to such views, and is there a place for them in contemporary views to this mysterious organ?

The structure of the pineal gland and its location

The epiphysis is part of diencephalon, which, in turn, is located between the midbrain and the cerebral hemispheres. The dimensions are normally small, about 1 cm wide and 1.5 cm long, with a mass of only 0.15-0.2 g (in women, the pineal gland is usually larger than in men).

The cone-shaped form of the gland is due to the developed capillary network of this organ. In addition to blood vessels, nerve fibers of the sympathetic system pass through the epiphysis.

The pineal gland appears in a human embryo already in the second month of development, with age its size increases, it penetrates into the region of the midbrain and is fixed there between the upper visual tubercles of the quadrigemina of the midbrain.

The location of the pineal gland in the center of the brain gives it special significance, some scientists even consider it the upper appendage of the brain, just as another important endocrine gland, the pituitary gland, is considered the lower cerebral appendage. The pinkish-gray color of the epiphysis is due to its good blood supply.

Outside, the pineal body of the epiphysis is covered with dense connective tissue. The growth of the pineal gland stops when puberty, and with the aging of the body, its reverse development is observed.

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Functions of the pineal gland

In the pineal gland, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids are intensively exchanged and it participates in the metabolism of phosphorus, calcium, potassium and magnesium in the body, sets biological rhythms and regulates body temperature. Since it produces hormones important for the functioning of the body as a whole, it is part of the endocrine and nervous systems.

Pineal hormones are the following peptide and biogenic amines formed from amino acids:

Serotonin, the "hormone of happiness".
Melatonin, the "shadow hormone".
Norepinephrine, the "stress hormone".
Histamine, the "anxiety hormone".

The effect of pineal hormones on the human body

In the body, everything is interconnected, but nevertheless, it is possible to single out the "zones of responsibility" of each of the hormones of the pineal gland. So what are they responsible for, individually and collectively?

Serotonin

Responsible for the psychogenic state of a person, regulates vascular tone, improves mood. Dietary intake is required to increase production enough the essential acid tryptophan.

Melatonin

The production of melatonin is one of the main functions of the pineal gland. is produced from serotonin with a lack of light, at night, the peak of its production occurs at midnight. One of the hormones responsible for the rhythm and cyclicity of life processes synchronizes the daily (circadian) rhythms of day and night, and for this reason the pineal gland is also called the biological clock.

Melatonin inhibits excess excretion growth hormone(growth hormone, which is produced in the pituitary gland, the leading human endocrine gland, and stimulates the growth and repair of cells).

With age and a decrease in the amount of melatonin produced (the peak of night production also decreases), a oxidative stress and hormonal DNA is damaged, which leads to aging of the body.

Melatonin has the following effects in the body:

It is a warning cardiovascular diseases, cataracts and tumor development.
Regulates sleep and wakefulness.
Reduces in the bloodstream.
Supports .
It also normalizes vascular tone.
Reduces in the bloodstream.
Suppresses depression.
Regulates daily changes in body weight and sexual activity.
Regulates menstrual cycle among women.
Improves memory in children and adolescence and enhances learning ability.

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Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine is released in daylight, is a mediator of wakefulness and quick decision making, causes an increase blood pressure with the activation of daily activities, enhances the metabolism of carbohydrates. Produced from essential amino acid phenylalanine and conditionally replaceable tyrosine. In addition to the epiphysis, it is also synthesized in the adrenal glands.

Histamine

Histamine protects the body from unwanted effects, affects the immune system. Main function of this hormone - raising anxiety in the tissues and the body as a whole in the case of a real or imaginary threat health and life, for example, in case of poisoning or contact with an allergen.

Excessive activity of histamine, which is not uncommon in our time, leads to intolerance and impaired immunity, and in 1% of people, mostly middle-aged, to diarrhea, constipation, migraine, acne, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, irregular menstrual cycles.

Diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the pineal gland

Complex medical equipment is used for diagnosis, so you should not even try to diagnose yourself, much less treat manifestations that you think are caused by diseases of the pineal gland. All this can be entrusted only to a doctor.

Diagnostics

Used for diagnosis x-ray equipment, computer and magnetic resonance tomographs. Only after a complete hardware examination, the doctor makes a conclusion about the presence or absence of pathology in a person. Normally, the pineal gland is projected onto the radiograph exclusively along the midline (remember the image of the “third eye”, or the “ajna” chakra just above the point between the eyebrows in esoteric images).

Pathological foci in the brain (abscesses, tumors, hematomas) push the epiphysis in the opposite direction from the focus.

Manifestations of dysfunction

Deviations in the functionality of the epiphysis can be manifested by the following symptoms:

Headache.
Visual disturbances (double vision).
Sleepiness during the daytime.
Ataxia (disorders of coordination of movements), paralysis.
Frequent fainting.
Mental deviations in behavior.

Pathological conditions

The activity of the pineal gland is disturbed for a number of reasons of an external and internal nature. Causes of an external (exogenous) nature:

mechanical injury.
Electrical injury.
poisoning ( chemicals, tobacco and alcohol).
Infection with pathogens of rabies, poliomyelitis or encephalitis.
Infection with bacterial toxins of diphtheria or botulism.
Infection with echinococcus with the formation of a cyst in the epiphysis.

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Causes of internal (endogenous) change:

circulatory disorders, internal bleeding, spasm of cerebral vessels.
thrombus formation.
Atherosclerosis.
Anemia.
Tumors (benign and malignant).
Inflammatory processes (usually a consequence of meningitis, sepsis or brain abscess).
Cerebral edema.
Metabolic disorders.
Age changes.

There are cases of both a decrease in the activity of the epiphysis (quite rare), and an increase. The cause of hypofunction may be a tumor in connective tissues followed by compression of the secretory cells of the gland.

Especially dangerous is hypofunction in children, leading to premature physical and sexual development due to the lack of a restraining effect on the production of growth hormone. To premature development dementia may also join.

Hyperfunction may be caused by:

Tumor of the cells of the pineal gland (pinealoma).
Hemorrhage in the body of the gland.
Echinococcal cyst development.

Hyperfunction of the pineal gland in childhood leads to growth retardation and sexual development.

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Therapy

Treatment of diseases is mainly symptomatic. The patient is prescribed medication (usually Melaxen, a synthetic analogue of melanin), and only with a negative result, they resort to surgical removal of a tumor or cyst (with the growth of neoplasms and hyperfunction of the gland). Chemotherapy has also been shown radiation therapy, and modern method radiosurgery, valid even during pregnancy.

Sometimes the production of melatonin is restored if simple rules, these same rules are a good prevention of the prevention of diseases of the pineal gland:

Strict observance of the daily routine.
Falling asleep and sleeping strictly in the dark.
Exclusion of work and entertainment activities at night.
Exclusion of extreme manifestations of emotions and stress.
Daily walks.

Melatonin in the form medicinal product is a good therapy for prolongation reproductive age. During menopause, women experience beneficial effect nightly intake of melatonin with reversal of climacteric processes and restoration of reproductive functions.

Decreased hormone production commonly seen in women of this age thyroid gland with subsequent disorders of the autonomic nervous system disappear.

The pineal gland, or pineal gland, is one of the most important organs endocrine system. The hormone melatonin produced by it regulates the daily and seasonal rhythms of a person, the menstrual cycle of women. Disorders in the functioning of the pineal gland lead to serious physical and mental disorders in health, and require medical intervention, medicinal or surgical. good remedy prevention of diseases of the pineal gland is the observance of the rules healthy lifestyle life.

epiphysis, or pineal gland, is a part . Mass of the epiphysis is 100-200 mg.

Biologically isolated from the epiphysis active substance- melatonin. It, being an antagonist of intermedin, causes a lightening of the color of the body due to the grouping of the melanin pigment in the center of the cell. The same compound acts negatively on the function of the gonads. With the defeat of the epiphysis in children, premature puberty is observed. It is believed that such an action of the pineal gland is realized through the pituitary gland: the pineal gland inhibits its gonadotropic function. Under the influence of lighting, the formation of melatonin in the pineal gland is inhibited.

The epiphysis contains a large number ofserotonin, which is the precursor of melatonin. The formation of serotonin in the pineal gland increases during the period of greatest illumination. Since the cycle of biochemical processes in the pineal gland reflects the change of periods of day and night, it is believed that this cyclic activity is a kind of biological clock of the body.

pineal gland

epiphysis, or pineal gland, is an unpaired endocrine gland of neuroglial origin, located in the epithalamus, next to the anterior colliculi of the quadrigemina. Sometimes it has the shape of a pine cone, more often it is rounded. The mass of the gland in newborns is 8 mg, in children from 10-14 years old and in adults - about 120 mg. Features of the blood supply to the pineal gland are a high blood flow rate and the absence of a blood-brain barrier. The pineal gland is innervated by postganglionic fibers of neurons of the sympathetic nervous system, the bodies of which are located in the superior cervical ganglia. The endocrine function is performed by pinealocytes, which are synthesized and secreted into the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. hormone melatonin.

Melatonin is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan and is formed through a series of its successive transformations: tryptophan -> 5-hydroxytryptophan -> 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) -> acetyl-serotonin -> melatonin. It is transported by the blood in a free form, the half-life is 2-5 minutes, it acts on target cells, stimulating 7-TMS receptors and the system of intracellular mediators. In addition to pinealocytes of the pineal gland, melatonin is actively synthesized in endocrine cells(apudocytes) gastrointestinal tract and other cells, the secretion of which in adults determines its content in the circulating blood by 90%. The content of melatonin in the blood has a pronounced daily rhythm and is about 7 pg / ml during the day, and at night - about 250 pg / ml in children from 1 to 3 years old, about 120 pg / ml in adolescents and about 20 pg / ml in people over 50 years old.

Main physiological effects of melatonin in the body

Melatonin is involved in the regulation of biorhythms endocrine functions and metabolism of the body due to the expression in the cells of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland of the gene, which is integral part endogenous body clock. Melatonin inhibits the synthesis and secretion of GnRH and gonadotropins, and also modulates the secretion of other adenohypophysis hormones. It activates humoral and cellular immunity, has antitumor activity, has a radioprotective effect, increases diuresis. In amphibians and fish, it is an α-MSH antagonist, lightening the color of the skin and scales (hence the name of the hormone "melatonin"). In humans, it does not affect skin pigmentation.

The regulation of synthesis and secretion of melatonin is subject to the daily rhythm and depends on the level of illumination. The signals used to regulate the formation of melatonin in the pineal gland come to it from light-sensitive retinal ganglion cells via the retinohypothalamic pathway, from neurons of the lateral geniculate body via the geniculogopothalamic pathway, and from neurons of the raphe nuclei via the serotonergic pathway. Signals coming from the retina have a modulating effect on the activity of pacemaker neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. From them, efferent signals are conducted to the neurons of the paraventricular nucleus, from the latter to the preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system of the upper thoracic segments. spinal cord and further - to the ganglionic neurons of the upper cervical ganglion, which innervate the pineal gland with their axons.

Excitation of the neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus caused by illumination of the retina is accompanied by inhibition of the activity of the ganglionic neurons of the upper cervical ganglion, a decrease in the release of norepinephrine in the epiphysis, and a decrease in the secretion of melatonin. The decrease in illumination is accompanied by an increase in the emission from nerve endings norepinephrine, which through β-adrenergic receptors stimulates the synthesis and secretion of melatonin.

Third eye, seat of the soul and source eternal youth- in different times that was the name of the epiphysis, one of the most mysterious endocrine glands.

It was discovered as early as 300 years before our era, but until the middle of the 20th century, scientists argued whether the pineal gland could even be considered an endocrine gland.

Today, all the hormones and neuropeptides that this organ synthesizes have been established, but its functions have not yet been fully explored.

What is the pineal gland

The epiphysis (or pineal gland) is a small brain organ that performs an endocrine function.

Some groups of scientists believe that the pineal gland in the brain is a full-fledged gland internal secretion. Others classify the pineal gland as a diffuse endocrine system - organs that are "scattered" throughout different systems human body and can produce peptide hormones. This is the thymus, liver, kidneys, etc.

The controversy surrounding the pineal gland has not subsided throughout history. medical science. The discoverer of the gland was the Alexandrian healer Herophilus, the Roman scientist Galen studied the epiphysis in more detail. The new organ in his brain reminded him of the shape of a pine cone - hence the second name of the gland.

The ancient Hindus assured that the epiphysis is the remnant ancient third eyes, and stimulation of the organ can lead to clairvoyance and the highest spiritual enlightenment. The rational ancient Greeks believed that the pineal gland controlled mental balance, but all these theories were surpassed by the philosopher René Descartes in the 17th century. In his treatise, Descartes suggested that the pineal gland combines and processes in itself all the information coming from the eyes, ears, nose, etc., gives out emotions in response, and in general is the receptacle of the soul.

Later, Voltaire mocked Descartes' idealism, ironically asserting that the pineal gland acts like a driver, controlling the activity of the brain with its neural connections, like reins. But, as proven modern science Voltaire turned out to be right in many ways...

Location and structure

Where the pineal gland is located, it became known back in the Renaissance. The scientist Vesalius then determined that the epiphysis is hidden between the tubercles of the quadrigemina - they are located on the border of the midbrain and diencephalon.

Modern anatomists complement the doctor - the gland is part of the epithalamus (interbrain) and is attached to its visual mounds.

The shape of the epiphysis resembles a small elongated bump, the color can vary within different shades of dark red and brown. The size of the pineal body is quite small:

in length up to 12-15 mm;
in width - 3-8 mm;
thickness about 4 mm;
weighs approximately 0.2 grams.

Over the years, the volume and weight of the organ can change due to the degeneration of the tissue and the accumulation of mineral salts.

The structure of the epiphysis

The structure of the pineal gland is characteristic of many endocrine glands. From above, the organ is covered with a pia mater - stroma, trabeculae (septa) scatter inward from the outer capsule, dividing the gland into lobules. The "receptacle of the soul" consists of 5 types of cells:

pinealocytes (parenchyma cells) - about 95% of the total volume of the epiphysis;
gland neurons;
interstitial endocrinocytes;
peptidergic neuron-like cells;
perivascular phagocytes.

It was these lobules filled with parenchymal cells that convinced scientists that the pineal gland is still a gland, and not just a part of the diencephalon with incomprehensible functions. Another argument in favor of the endocrine nature of the pineal gland is capillaries with a special porous structure. The same vessels are in the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, pancreas and parathyroid glands- classical organs of the endocrine system.

The epiphysis of the brain has interesting property. The organ is not only capable of age-related degeneration of tissues (other glands, for example, the thymus, can also change). Starting from the age of 7, the pineal body accumulates mineral deposits - calcium, carbonate and phosphate. Scientists call them brain sand.

In adulthood, these salts even give a kind of shadow on the X-ray, but they do not affect the function of the gland. Esotericists and supporters alternative medicine associate this fact with ancient legend about the third eye at the back of the head, which eventually retracted into the brain and petrified.

Functions of the epiphysis

The fantastic idea of the third eye, which turned into the pineal gland, haunted both pseudoscientists and even ordinary researchers for a long time.

In favor of such pseudo-scientific theories is the fact that in many reptiles and lower vertebrates the pineal gland is located directly under the skin and can perform some functions of the eye - for example, to detect changes in lighting.

AT human body the pineal gland of the brain can also recognize day and night - the transmitters of information are neural pathways. This epiphyseal feature determines the main functions of the pineal gland in the body:

regulates daily biorhythms - provides good sleep and active wakefulness;
controls the female menstrual cycle;
helps to rebuild biorhythms when entering a different time zone;
slows down selection pituitary hormones growth (until the time of puberty comes);
stops puberty and sex drive in children (until puberty occurs);
prevents the development of malignant tumors;
raises immune defense organism.

Modern scientists do not stop looking for new functions of the epiphysis. In the early 2000s St. Petersburg scientists have made a real revolution in science, declaring that the pineal gland can ... keep young. The reason is a special peptide epithalon, which synthesizes iron. Experiments on rats proved that the peptide is able to start stimulating body renewal processes, but full-fledged clinical trials still ahead.

Pineal hormones

The pineal gland provides the secretion of a number of vital substances - hormones and neuropeptides.

The main and unique hormone that the pineal gland produces is the sleep hormone melatonin (the pineal gland is the only place in the body capable of “giving out” melatonin). Also, the gland is able to produce the hormone of happiness serotonin (at night, part of the serotonin turns into melatonin). The sleep hormone, in turn, can turn into the hormone adrenoglomerulotropin.

The peptide hormones of the pineal gland are:

a hormone that regulates calcium metabolism;
vasotocin;
regulatory peptides (luliberin, thyrotropin, etc.).

The hormone of happiness serotonin is synthesized mainly in the intestine, the pineal gland provides only 5-10% of the total serotonin volume. Serotonin gives a good mood, sharpens the mind, improves memory, enhances sexual attraction, regulates monthly cycle, struggling with winter depression, gives a deep full sleep, and also serves as a source of melatonin.

The functions of melatonin in the body are very diverse:

regulates sleep;
calms the nerves;
reduces sugar levels and dangerous cholesterol in blood;
lowers blood pressure;
has an immunostimulatory effect, etc.

The product of melatonin activity - adrenoglomerulotropin - stimulates the synthesis of aldosterone, which is responsible for regulating the level of potassium and sodium in the body.

Peptide hormones are mainly responsible for the regulation physiological processes. Vasotocin controls vascular tone and inhibits the synthesis of FSH and LH. Luliberin (gonadoliberin), on the contrary, stimulates the production of LH, thyrotropin controls the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Hormones and neuropeptides of the pineal gland affect the activity of almost all body systems., therefore, any disorders of the pineal gland appear almost instantly. Impaired melatonin synthesis leads to depression, mental disorders and even oncological diseases, tumors can provoke precocious puberty and sexual disorders.

pineal gland - important element endocrine system. The elliptical-shaped formation in the brain, despite its small size, produces several important hormones and neurotransmitters, among them serotonin.

When the pineal gland is damaged, the sleep and wakefulness regimen is disturbed, insomnia develops, and the condition of the vessels worsens. Melatonin deficiency negatively affects the endocrine system. With frequent headaches, insomnia, general weakness, reducing visual acuity, you need to visit specialized specialists, undergo diagnostic tests to exclude severe lesions of the epiphysis.

What it is

The pineal body is a formation up to 1 cm in size, one of the structures of the diencephalon. Small lobules and strands of the epiphysis consist of light and dark cells.

Location - the brain, the area - above the tubercles of the quadrigemina, the color of the formation is grayish-red. Cells important gland associated with the receptive area of the eye. The pineal gland is most active at nightfall.

Vessels in the soft meninges deliver oxygen to the pineal gland nutrients. Also, nerve fibers are suitable for the elliptoid formation.

The formation of an important endocrine gland occurs as early as the fifth week after conception. Own hormones of the pineal gland are active during intrauterine development.

The pineal gland is a small but important structure in the brain. This element is less known to people far from medicine, but the role of the endocrine gland, shaped like a pine cone, cannot be underestimated. If the functioning of the pineal gland is disturbed, pathological changes occur in the body, circadian rhythms go astray, hormonal and metabolic pathologies occur, problems with sleep and the development of the reproductive system.

Functions of the pineal gland

The main task of the pineal gland is to synchronize the work of the organs of the endocrine system with the degree of illumination. Second important point- influence on the cyclic activity of serotonin.

Other important features pineal body:

inhibits the activity of important parts of the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary gland) at night;
sufficient production of pineal hormones provides a hypnotic effect;
suppresses excessive nervous excitement;
maintains the tone of veins, capillaries and arteries;
warns premature sexual development in children with the help of physiological regulators;
normalizes circadian rhythms optimal duration wakefulness and night sleep;
pineal gland hormones affect the production of other regulators.

The role of the hormone melatonin

obesity, insomnia, depressive states, jumps in blood pressure, insulin-independent often develop against the background of improper functioning of the pineal gland. Failures in the production of melatonin is one of the factors causing pathological changes.

The neurotransmitter serotonin is transformed into melatonin. Transformations have different speed in different periods days. The main percentage of an important substance accumulates at night (up to 75%), during the day the production of melatonin is no more than a quarter of total. AT winter period when it gets dark earlier, melatonin production rises.

But the conditions of human life are not the same as several centuries ago. The presence of artificial lighting allows you to extend daylight hours by several hours at any time. The less time spent on night sleep the lower the production of melatonin.

A decrease in the amount of an important hormone also occurs when working the night shift, daily duty, late rises, wakefulness after 23 hours and later. The more actively the production of melatonin decreases, the higher the risk of pathologies associated with impaired functioning of the pineal gland.

Organ pathologies, their symptoms and treatment

In addition to breaking the duration daylight hours, other negative factors affect the work of the endocrine gland:

congenital anomalies of brain development;
severe neuroendocrine pathologies;
damage to brain cells.

Indicates epiphyseal hypoplasia early start puberty. birth defects The pineal gland is rarely diagnosed by doctors.

It is quite easy to eliminate functional disorders - you need to review the daily regimen, treat background pathologies. For the proper production of melatonin and other important substances in the pineal gland, it is necessary to include foods of various categories in the diet. Balancing nutrition - required condition for normal functioning endocrine system.

On a note! Diseases of the pineal gland occur in men and women. The more provoking factors, the higher the risk of damage to the epiphysis. Lack of attention to signs pathological changes can cause severe damage to the nervous system, ischemic stroke, hypertensive crisis. If problems with the pineal gland occur in children, then against the background of the active growth of the tumor, the functioning of the adrenal cortex is disrupted, which provokes a shift in the timing of puberty to an earlier period.

Hemorrhage in the pineal gland

A dangerous process develops in adults against the background of vascular atherosclerosis. In children serious condition occurs rarely. Sometimes a stroke develops due to an aneurysm (congenital anomaly).

In echinococcosis, cysts are prone to active growth. A cavity with a dense capsule must be removed: non-surgical methods and medications have no effect. A cyst in the pineal gland is diagnosed using immunological tests and tomography. For elimination pathological process the help of a qualified infectious disease specialist and a neurosurgeon is needed;

Learn about the functions, as well as what the important organ of the endocrine system is responsible for.

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Tumors of the pineal gland

Volumetric neoplasms in the tissues of the pineal gland are benign and malignant. Often the cause of development is the influence of ionizing or X-ray radiation.

While the tumor is small, the patient does not suspect the existence of a pathological focus in the pineal gland. If the neoplasm grows, reaches 3 cm, malignancy of cells actively occurs, then negative symptoms appear. Patients complain of headaches that are impossible to cope with, blurred vision.

After examination on a tomograph, the doctor confirms or refutes the suspicion of the development of a tumor. Treatment is strictly surgical. If tissue histology shows the presence of atypical cells, then the patient, under the guidance of an oncologist, receives chemotherapy or undergoes a course of radiation to suppress the growth of cancerous structures.

Some types of pineal diseases are difficult to prevent: not known exact reasons and mechanisms of failures in the structure and functionality of the body. Neurologists advise adults to remember the daily routine, without special need not to go to bed later than 10 pm, in order to prevent a violation of natural rhythms.

Night shifts cause serious damage to health. Negative influence work at a time when the body should rest, test all systems, including the endocrine system. Melatonin deficiency causes insomnia, irritability, fatigue. The best option- avoid such a work schedule. If another opportunity for professional activity no, you need to fully rest after the shift, do not give up sleep for six to seven hours. Violation of the circadian rhythm, combined with a short duration of sleep, provokes the development of hypertension, nervous disorders, anxiety, general weakness, impaired hormonal balance and metabolic processes. It also increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Other preventive measures:

stop working during pregnancy harmful production, give up alcohol and smoking, avoid infection during influenza epidemics;
to reduce the risk of hemorrhage in the tissues of the pineal gland, to prevent ischemic stroke, you need to contact a cardiologist in time, treat arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis;
it is important to eat right so that the parts of the brain receive a sufficient amount of oxygen and substances, without which stable functioning is disturbed important body. Hypoxia plus thrombosis, atherosclerosis, excess bad cholesterol in vessels - dangerous combination, against which the risk of severe damage to brain cells increases sharply;
regularly receive products that contain a substance from which melatonin is transformed in the body. The valuable amino acid tryptophan contains the following types of food: fish, meat, nuts, legumes, dried dates, mushrooms. For vigor and Have a good mood you need to consume dairy products, especially yogurt and cottage cheese;
X-ray of the skull and neck area should be carried out strictly according to medical indications: Excessive penetration of radiation can cause swelling of the pineal gland.