| 1: Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1998 May 1;840:491-7.
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Neuroimmunomodulation of aging. A program in the pineal
gland.
Pierpaoli W.
INTERBION Foundation for Basic Biomedical Research, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
We have investigated for 35 years the relationship between the neuroendocrine
and the thymo-lymphatic, immune system. In the last decade we have shown that
the pineal gland is a main adapter and fine synchronizer of environmental
variables and endogenous messages into physiological modifications of basic
functions. In particular the pineal gland itself seems to regulate, via
circadian, night secretion of melatonin, all basic hormonal functions and also
immunity. We have shown with several in vivo models that this fundamental role
of the pineal gland decays during aging. Aging itself seems to be a strictly
pineal-programmed event similar to growth and puberty. The continuation of our
interventions with melatonin against the typical degenerative diseases of
aging must be based on an accurate evaluation of its mechanisms of action.
Melatonin being a ubiquitous molecule in nature, we suggest that it has
acquired during evolution of the species numerous levels of activities. In
fact, melatonin can be found in a large variety of cells and tissues, and
bindings sites and "receptors" have been identified in many tissues and cells
of the neuroendocrine and immune system. Therefore, the progressive
understanding of the aging-programming role of the pineal gland also depends
on studies of melatonin and its basic regulatory function. Our present studies
will be described.
Publication Types:
PMID: 9629275 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]