INFLUENCE OF PSORALEN ON MELATONIN FORMATION IN RAT PINEAL GLAND IN ORGAN CULTURE

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Abstract
8-Methoxypsoralen [used in the treatment of psoriasis] (10-4 M) added to the medium of rat pineal glands in organ culture induces a 5-fold increase of 14C-labeled N-acetylserotonin and melatonin formation when serotonin is used as 14C-labeled precursor. Addition of d-amphetamine (10-5 M) to pineal glands increases N-acetylserotonin and melatonin formation. This increase is enhanced by addition of 8-methoxypsoralen (10-5 M). In pineal glands pre-incubated for 24 h, 8-methoxypsoralen (10-4 M) increased production of N-acetylserotonin and melatonin. The effect of 8-methoxypsoralen apparently is mediated through a postsynaptic event and not by release of noradrenaline [norepinephrine] or blocked re-uptake of amines to nerve terminals in the pineal gland.

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