The Critical Stage of Pinealectomy Surgery After Which Scoliosis Is Produced in Young Chickens

Abstract

Cutting the pineal stalk was identified as the critical stage of pinealectomy surgery after which scoliosis may develop. This stage was also correlated with the significant reduction of average serum melatonin levels. These results allow the focus of attention into the mechanism behind this phenomenon to center on the consequences of cutting the pineal stalk rather than total removal of the pineal gland.