Classically, in terms of endocrine involvement, pineal tumours are described
as belonging to 2 main types:
1. destructive (often malignant) - leading to reduction of pineal hormonal
output and precocious puberty;
2. hyperplastic- ?oversecreting - leading to delayed puberty.
These observations helped indicate that melatonin is antigonadal (in humans
as in many species).
The evidence, however, is mostly observational. In addition, pineal surgery
is difficult.
The symptoms you describe sound more like those of possible space-occupying
lesion, but if you wish to follow the melatonin hypothesis, try Josephine
Arendt's group in Guildford. You could try contact Debra Skene
([log in to unmask])
James Hooper
Head, Dept Clinical Biochemistry,
Clinical Director Laboratory Medicine &
Divisional Director, Clinical Support Services
Royal Brompton Hospital
Sydney St,LONDON SW3 6NP. UK
email: [log in to unmask]
phone: 44 (0)171 351 8414
fax: 44 (0)171 351 8416
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