Pools of serotonin in the pineal gland of the mouse: The mammalian pinealocyte as a component of the diffuse neuroendocrine system

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Abstract
Taking into account the specificity and sensitivity of these three complementary methods, previous biochemical data in mammals and ultracytochemical data in submammalian vertebrates, synthesis, storage, catabolism and release of 5-HT in the mouse and hamster pineals are discussed at the cellular level. Different pools of 5-HT are present: agranular and granular in pinealocytes and sympathetic nerve endings; agranular in interstitial cells. In the mouse, only a small portion of the total 5-HT content appears to be secondarily taken up by the DCV. Within the DCV, 5-HT is possibly bound to a protein secretion of unknown significance (peptidergic neurohormone?). In the pinealocytes, which are sensitive to a large variety of inputs, processes of indole and protein secretion are found. These cells apparently are the recepto-secretory elements of the mammalian pineal gland. They can thus be classified as a member of the diffuse neuroendocrine system of the paraneuron group.