Pineal arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (Aanat) gene expression as a target of inflammatory mediators in the chicken

► The effect of peritonitis on the chicken pineal melatonin biosynthesis was measured. ► Inflammation caused a decrease in the chicken pineal level of the Aanat mRNA. ► Pineal Aanat gene is a target for inflammatory mediators in the chickens. ► Pineal AANAT protein content and enzymatic activity is lower during peritonitis. ► Inflammatory mediators act at the level of the pineal Aanat gene transcription.