Ultrastructure and biochemistry of the pineal organ in deep-sea lanternfishes (Myctophidae) |
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| Authors: | J A McNulty M A Neighbors M H Horn |
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| Institution: | Department of Anatomy, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois 60153. |
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| Abstract: | Pineal structural and biochemical adaptations in lanternfishes included: 1) few photoreceptor outer segment discs; 2) conventional synapses between photoreceptors and pineal neurons; and 3) low levels (0-60 pg/pineal) of serotonin compared to those (greater than 1.0 ng/pineal) in the goldfish pineal organ. These findings suggest reduced photosensory and/or neuroendocrine functions in these deep-sea fishes. |
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