This page doesn’t mention what species have a Pineal gland.—GJK 10:33, 19 October 2005 (UTC)[reply]

I have no idea what Gray's Anatomy means by "animal matter" in the second paragraph of the structure and composition section. -- Phyzome is Tim McCormack 22:44, 2004 Dec 8 (UTC)

I think the animal matter refers to a complex of proteins. The associated anatomical structure is really peripherial. I guess removing it should be the best for the article... moostattack

I think this article is in desperate need of images. The description of where this important gland sounds like ancient Greek to someone that knows nothing about the brain and it's anatomy. JoeHenzi 18:40, 5 Apr 2005 (UTC)

The third paragraph under "Functions" starts with, 'It also contains a substance which if injected intravenously causes fall of blood-pressure.' Is this supposed to refer to the correlation between blood pressure and Melatonin production?

The description in "Functions" is vague. Melatonin usally increases potassium channel conductance thereby slowing down the heart rate and possibly relaxing the endothelium (haven't checked this). moosattack

I have a cyst on my pineal gland is that dangerous? Does this have anything to do with balance?

You should consult a medical doctor, not wikipedia, for such advice :) Good luck, Nimur 14:34, 29 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I read this at http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/serotonin/introduction.htm

Is that true? If so, shouldn't it be added so it says it produces 'melatonin' and 'serotonin'. I believe the endocrine system would need to be edited too.

What causes the pineal gland to calcify and is there any possible connection between the pineal gland and diabetes ?

While I've heard this in every neuroanatomy class I've taken, I've never seen a reference given. After some searching, it appear it's from Descartes' Treatise of Man. Note I haven't checked this myself yet, but I found that information here: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/pineal-gland/#2 Semiconscious (talk · home) 20:04, 28 December 2005 (UTC)[reply]

There is no reputable evidence that fluoride has any influence on humman sexual maturity. In fact, the contrary exists. So, let's just drop this line in the article until peer-reviewed data is available.

Hi, I just want to emphasize the following viewpoint. I understand Wikipedia aims to be encyclopedic and present all sides of an issue, but we need to prevent pseudoscience from discoloring all of our articles, including this one. Some of the previous edits have made strong claims about the psycho-mystical third eye and pineal gland connection. While we should mention this as a historic or philosophical angle, the best way to present this is in a clearly labeled sub-heading, such as "Philosophy" or "Mysticism." This will help prevent people from confusing science and medical fact from religious or new-age ideas.

Also just want to reiterate the distinction between fact and theory. Even the non-New-Age elements in this article sort of blur the distinction sometimes. (Particularly noting the evolutionary biology elements - at best, these are speculations based on evidence, no matter how solid that evidence is)... even these should be adequately discussed and cited.

Nimur 02:29, 3 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I hear that the pineal gland secretes melatonin, which produces Melalin, which by websters definition is any of a class of insoluble pigments that are found in all forms of animal life and account for the dark color of skin, hair, fur, scales, feathers, etc. and is the greatest or most active in African or Afrocentric peoples, and isnt calcified. If it is in the brain, believe me it is there for a reason.

Regarding fact and theory: Whilst most 'post-structuralists' laugh themselves out of whatever club they choose to join, I think altering the title of this section to Mythologies Cultures and Philosophies... is a valid and arguable shift to include the grey-areas. Bataille's contribution to science and logic is small, but his cultural cache is high- having investigated the role of science and myth in regards to the pineal (and more lucidly elsewhere) I think this reviewed section may offer a good pathway for peoples looking at the intersections of fact and fiction (re: Third Eye)- Nov 2006

could not understand the following passage.

Reports in rodents suggest that the pineal gland may influence the actions of drugs of abuse such as cocaine [1] and antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac)[2]; and contribute to regulation of neuronal vulnerability[3].

"may influence the actions of drugs of abuse such as cocaine" ??? What does it mean? Can someone who knows more please correct it. Thanks--Pietrosperoni 12:48, 21 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The pineal gland does produce small amounts DMT, it is documented: Guchhait RB "Biogenesis of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine in human pineal gland." J Neurochem 1976 Jan ;26(1):187-90 PMID:1255170. Also trace amounts can be found in the body and urine, all documented.

The paper does not describe the presence of DMT or, for that matter, of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine in the human pineal. It does describe the ability to use pineal extracts in vitro to synthesize 5-methoxy-N,N-DMT if provided with the appropriate substrate. There is no evidence to date for pineal synthesis of DMT in vivo.