Abstract
8-Methoxypsoralen (10(-4) M) added to the medium of rat pineal glands in organ culture induces a five-fold increase of 14C-labelled N-acetylserotonin and melatonin formation when serotonin is used as 14C-labelled precursor. Addition of d-amphetamine (10(-5) M) to pineal glands also results in an increase of N-acetylserotonin and melatonin formation. This increase is enhanced by the addition of 8-methoxypsoralen (10(-5) M). In pineal glands pre-incubated for 24 h 8-methoxypsoralen (10(-4) M) caused an increased production of N-acetylserotonin and melatonin. This indicates that the effect of 8-methoxypsoralen is mediated through a postsynaptic event and not by release of noradrenaline or blocked re-uptake of amines to nerve terminals in the pineal gland. Further studies of the clinical significance of the effect of psoralen on pineal gland metabolism seems warranted.
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