The morphological and functional characteristics of the pineal gland

Authors

  • Bogdan Alexandru Gheban
  • Ioana Andreea Rosca
  • Maria Crisan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15386/mpr-1235

Keywords:

pineal gland, melatonin, calcifications, histology, pathology

Abstract

Introduction. The pineal gland is a photo-neuro-endocrine organ situated inside the brain, that secretes serotonin, melatonin and N,N-dymethyltriptamine. This narrative review will address the latest information gathered on this function of the gland as well as the unknown roles it may have. The different histological and pathological findings of the pineal gland have demonstrated a role in clinical manifestations of numerous endocrine, neurological and psychiatric pathologies.

Materials. For this narrative review we used the NCBI website database PubMed. The search terms were “Pineal Gland” AND/OR “histology, melatonin, DMT, pathology”. Total number of articles included were 86.

Results: We have reviewed physiological information of melatonin and DMT, anatomical, histological and histopathological information on the pineal gland and its role in endocrine, neurological and psychiatric pathology.

Conclusion. The role of melatonin in immunity and its potential therapeutic effects show promising potential for further research. DMT seems to have a role in psychiatric pathology and potential therapeutic effects. Proper tumoral screening and diagnostic protocol are required.

Author Biographies

Bogdan Alexandru Gheban, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu" Cluj-Napoca

Department of Morphological Sciences

Ioana Andreea Rosca, The Oncology Institute Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta Cluj-Napoca

Radiotherapy

Maria Crisan, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu" Cluj-Napoca

Histology and Dermatology
MPR 2019, volume 92, issue 2 - Cover - Painting by Stefan Luchian

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Published

2019-05-23

How to Cite

1.
Gheban BA, Rosca IA, Crisan M. The morphological and functional characteristics of the pineal gland. Med Pharm Rep [Internet]. 2019 May 23 [cited 2025 Sep. 25];92(3):226-34. Available from: https://medpharmareports.com/index.php/mpr/article/view/1235

Issue

Vol. 92 No. 3 (2019)

Section

Reviews

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