Abstract
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide stimulated serotonin N-acetyltransferase activity in rat pineal glands in organ culture by a postsynaptic action that was independent of the beta-receptor. The magnitude of stimulation could be altered by environmental lighting conditions and by prior exposure to the agonist. Such up- and down-regulation, well known for catecholaminergic stimulation of this system, is compatible with a possible control of the pineal by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide as well as by catecholamines.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Acetyltransferases / metabolism*
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Animals
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Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase / antagonists & inhibitors
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Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase / metabolism*
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Gastrointestinal Hormones / pharmacology*
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Isoproterenol / pharmacology
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Lighting*
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Male
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Pineal Gland / drug effects
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Pineal Gland / enzymology*
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Pineal Gland / radiation effects
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Propranolol / pharmacology
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Rats
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Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / pharmacology*
Substances
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Gastrointestinal Hormones
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Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
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Propranolol
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Acetyltransferases
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Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase
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Isoproterenol