Regulation mechanisms and neuroendocrine function: tumoral physiopathology

Abstract

The pineal is an endocrine gland whose metabolic and hormonal synthesis exhibiting a typical circadian rhythm linked to the environmental photoperiod and other endocrine hormones. Pineal gland function is being elucidated in most animal species, but it is still poorly known in man. An important feature of this gland is it relationship with several endocrine changes such as those of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-gonadal axis, which are produced in critical moments af development (fetal sexual diffeferentiation, puberty, ovarian cycle, pregnancy, etc.). Thus, pineal gland alterations, mainly those of tumoral origin, can seriously affect and pathologically alter the reproductive functions, as well as other central nervous system functions.