Abstract.
In order to establish that the pineal gland is innervated by pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)-immunoreactive nerve fibers originating in the trigeminal ganglion, ophthalmic and maxillary nerves were transected by using a subtemporal fossa approach. The number of PACAP-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the pineal gland of rats with a total transection of the nerve was compared with that of rats without surgery. In the operated rat, PACAP-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the superficial pineal decreased remarkably, indicating that the trigeminal ganglion was the origin of these nerve fibers. This research provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that PACAP-immunoreactive nerves regulate the synthesis and/or secretion of melatonin in the pineal gland.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Electronic Publication
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Liu, W., Møller, M. Innervation of the rat pineal gland by PACAP-immunoreactive nerve fibers originating in the trigeminal ganglion: a degeneration study. Cell Tissue Res 301, 369–373 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004410000251
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004410000251