Glándula pineal humana, factores reguladores de la producción de melatonina: morfometría, celularidad y células c-kit

Here we demonstrated changes in morphometry and cellularity of the human pineal gland according to age, with an increase in cell size until the young adulthood and in cell proliferation during adolescence period, in addition to the high rate of apoptotic index in the first years of life and its progressive reduction during the following years. Besides, it was possible to demonstrate the presence of interstitial Cajal cells expressing the receptor c-kit in groups 2, 3 and 4 only, located in the gland interstice. Apparently, the human pineal gland finishes its development during puberty when the c-kit positive cells appear. These cells may act as membrane depolarization foci (pacemaker), thus resulting in melatonin release. Simultaneously degenerative signs appeared in the group of oldest age, as demonstrated by the presence of calcified structures.