Alpha rhythm and the pineal gland.

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  • Author(s): Sandyk R;Sandyk R
  • Source:
    The International journal of neuroscience [Int J Neurosci] 1992 Apr; Vol. 63 (3-4), pp. 221-7.
  • Publication Type:
    Journal Article; Review
  • Language:
    English
  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: Informa Healthcare Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 0270707 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 0020-7454 (Print) Linking ISSN: 00207454 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Int J Neurosci Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Publication: London : Informa Healthcare
      Original Publication: New York, Gordon and Breach.
    • Subject Terms:
      Alpha Rhythm*; Pineal Gland/*physiology; Electroencephalography ; Humans
    • Abstract:
      Alpha rhythm is classically described as a bilateral posterior rhythm of substantially constant frequency in the range of 8-13 Hz which is enhanced by mental relaxation and blocked by attention. Since the full expression of alpha rhythm has been shown to occur coincident with puberty, it is possible that the establishment of alpha rhythm is subject to neuroendocrine influences which govern psychosexual maturation. There is ample evidence to indicate that the pineal gland is implicated in cerebral maturation and psychosexual development. Nocturnal plasma melatonin levels have been shown to decline progressively throughout childhood reaching a nadir at puberty. Since administration of melatonin has been reported to block alpha rhythm, it is proposed that the progressive decline in melatonin secretion during childhood facilitates the maturation of the alpha rhythm. Consequently, the presence of alpha rhythm could be used as a neurophysiological marker for the activity of the pineal gland and disorders associated with absent or delayed maturation of the alpha rhythm such as autism, dyslexia, personality disorders, epilepsy, Tourette's syndrome, and schizophrenia might be related to disturbances of pineal melatonin functions in early life. Moreover, since the EEG patterns associated with cerebral immaturity (i.e., slowing, absence of alpha activity) are more pronounced in the left hemisphere, this hypothesis implies differential influence of the pineal gland on hemispheric maturation potentially accounting for the vulnerability of the left hemisphere to cerebral insults.
    • Number of References:
      21
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 19920401 Date Completed: 19930707 Latest Revision: 20190827
    • Publication Date:
      20231215
    • Accession Number:
      10.3109/00207459208987198
    • Accession Number:
      1304557