Studies on the control of pineal indole synthesis: cyclic nucleotides, adenylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase

An overview of the biochemical events that occur when postsynaptic pineal beta-adrenergic receptors are stimulated is presented. Emphasis is placed on the importance of the adenylate cyclase system for the induction of N-acetyltransferase (NAT). Super- and subsensitive responses of NAT to receptor agonists are related to cAMP concentration, adenylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase activities and receptor binding sites.