The Pineal Organ

Abstract
Other Possible Pineal HormonesIn addition to melatonin, the mammalian pineal contains, and probably releases, two groups of compounds that may have hormonal activity: other methoxyindoles, such as 5-methoxytryptophol; and peptides, such as arginine vasotocin. A full analysis of the evidence supporting their hormonal activities is beyond the scope of this review and is available elsewhere.22,23 Currently, most interest centers on arginine vasotocin, initially proposed as a pineal hormone by Pavel and Petrescu.51 This oxytocic compound is present in whole pineals52 , 53 (but, according to one group of investigators, may be confined to the pineal stalk53). It is reported to . . .