Pineal gland senescence: an emerging ageing-related pathology?.
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All Authors
Short, E.
Ajjan, R.
Barber, TM.
Bhandari, S.
Chazot, P.
Garrison, JL.
Goyal, A.
Huckstepp, R.
Jamal, N.
Kanamarlapudi, V.
LTHT Author
Wellington, Jack
LTHT Department
Neurosciences
Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery
Non Medic
Publication Date
2025
Item Type
Journal Article
Language
Subject
Subject Headings
Abstract
An ageing-related pathology has recently been described as one that develops and/or progresses with increasing chronological age, that is associated with, or contributes to, functional decline and that is evidenced by studies in humans. The pineal gland is a photo-neuroendocrine organ whose primary function is to produce and secrete melatonin in response to light-dark cycle environmental cues. The gland may undergo ageing-related structural and morphological changes, including calcification, gliosis, cyst formation, and reduced density of beta-adrenergic receptors, which are hypothesised to reduce melatonin secretion. Pineal gland senescence describes the ageing-related decline in neuroendocrine function, with reduced secretion of melatonin, which may contribute to ageing-related sleep disorders and disruption of other circadian-driven physiological functions and may have secondary effects such as contributing to cognitive and mood disorders related to sleep disturbance.
Journal
Hormones