[The role of the epiphysis in the pathogenesis of depressions].

On the pinealectomized rats shifts of main parameters of forced swimming and its time course with increase of rhythmical depression index were observed. Pinealectomy also potentiated depressogenic effect of reserpine which was attenuated by melatonin. At the same time on this model pineal compounds (melatonin, peptides) after acute and chronic administration demonstrated their own antidepressant activity.