The mammalian pineal gland: its adaptive significance for reproductive responses to environmental changes

Summarizes the important position of the pineal gland and its hormones in assisting mammals, especially long-breeding rodent species, to adapt to seasonal environmental changes. The photoperiod, acting via the pineal gland, determines the waxing and waning of reproductive competence on a seasonal basis. Pineal secretory products also adjust the entire physiology of the organism on a seasonal basis, thereby ensuring that the animal is physiologically prepared for the various seasons of the year. -from Author