Investigations reveal the pineal gland influences temperature rhythms in mammals and birds, suggesting significant physiological roles.
The pineal gland synchronizes many biological rhythms. Recent investigations suggest that the pineal gland of mammals and birds is involved in the temperature rhythms. The pineal gland exerts this physiological function through the secretion of melatonin. Melatonin has a hypothermic influence, preventing an increase in body temperature. Pineal gland activity is influenced by environmental lighting. Photoperiod and temperature in birds and mammals are linked by way of the pineal gland. Thus, body temperature also exhibits a diurnal rhythm. The exact mechanism of the pineal gland in thermoregulatory reflexes is not known.
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Gail Marie Bisson (1979) studied this question.
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