Dual Effect of Catecholamines and Corticosterone Crosstalk on Pineal Gland Melatonin Synthesis

Abstract

The dual effect of corticosterone on pineal melatonin synthesis is determined by the activation pattern of adrenoceptors (β or β+α1) in the gland during GR activation, suggesting that increased activation of the sympathetic system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are necessary for the control of melatonin production during defense responses.