The pineal gland

[Alfaomega]

Hello,
I started to read in a book about the pineal gland, but I have some questions about it:
1) Is it true that the melatonin decolorates the skin of the inferior vertebrates(amphibians and reptiles)?
2) Do you know any other hormones produced by the pineal gland (except melatonin) and if it produces serotonin to inhibate the gonads ?
3) Is it true that the pineal gland has a hypoglycemiant role?

Thank you

[MrMistery]

1 - yes
2 - vasotocin, which has the role of inhibiting the release of LH
3 - No, although some old books did claim that.

[Alfaomega]

ok...thx
One last question:
Is it true that the pineal gland has a role in the metabolism of proteins, minerals, glucose or lipids?

[MrMistery]

that's about as vague as you can put it. A statement like that has no real meaning.
In the broadest sense, all endocrine glands influence all metabolisms, because they interact with one another. But directly, melatonin does not have any metabolic effects.

[Alfaomega]

I understand....and is it wrong if somewhere it says: "The extracts of the pineal gland have metabolic role, in the meabolism of proteins, minerals, glucose or lipids", (without saying if they have a direct influence or not)?

[MrMistery]

Basically yes.
Beware of texts that say "has a role", "is important in" or stuff like that without actually explaining what it does. It generally means the book is crap.

[MichaelXY]

Basically yes.
Beware of texts that say "has a role", "is important in" or stuff like that without actually explaining what it does. It generally means the book is crap.

lol, Sounds like my resume...lol. I had a role in such and such, I was important in the such and such.

Your wise beyond your years Mr. Mistery