[The biochemical aspects of pineal gland functioning in the rat in ontogeny].

We have studied metabolic pathways of serotonin in epiphysis of Wistar male rats at the age of 1; 1,5; 2; 3; 6; 12; 24 and 36 months. Epiphysis retains its functional activity throughout the life, however, serotonin metabolism in epiphysis undergoes marked changes. The main regulatory principle is the switch of serotonin metabolic pathways in the pineal gland. Most distinct changes between hydroxy- and methoxyindols in epiphysis have been observed during the periods of age-associated hormonal rearrangements like sexual maturation or involution of the gonad function at the old age.