Über den Einfluß von Hypophysenvorderlappenhormonen und Epiphysenhormon auf das Wachstum von Impftumoren

The history of circadian rhythm research in Austria

In view of the recent revival of interest in circadian biology and circadian epidemiology at the Medical University of Vienna, it seems appropriate to highlight the rich and pioneering history of circadian research in Austria. Among the forefathers of circadian research in Vienna are Otto Marburg (1874-1948), who discovered important elements of the pineal gland physiology, Robert Hofstätter (1883-1970), who used pineal gland extract in obstetrics/gynecology, and Paul Engel (1907-1997), who discovered that the pineal gland was controlled by light. More recently, Vera Lapin (1920-2007) showed that surgical removal of the pineal gland increased tumor growth, while Franz Waldhauser (*1946) investigated melatonin in conjunction with night work. Michael Kundi (*1950) and his team conducted among the first studies demonstrating differences in rhythms of night workers and early evidence for health impairments among them. Furthermore, Vienna-born Erhard Haus (1926-2013) pioneered the discovery of the role and importance of melatonin in relation to numerous diseases. This rich pioneering contribution of scientists in Vienna or with roots in Vienna is continued today by a new generation of chronobiologists, epidemiologists and clinicians in Vienna whose new insights contribute to the rapidly developing field of circadian rhythms research. Current topics and contributions relate to the impact of circadian rhythm disruption on health, and the application of chronotherapeutic approaches in clinical and preventive settings.

A cytotoxic, apoptotic, low-molecular weight factor from pineal gland

Previous studies suggest that the pineal gland may play a role in tumour growth inhibition. In this respect, melatonin, as the major hormone of this gland, has been extensively studied. However, there is growing evidence for the existence of other yet unknown pineal factors that may have tumour growth inhibiting properties. Here we describe the partial purification of a highly cytotoxic low molecular weight (<400 Da) hydrophilic fraction (designated F2M3R), starting from a porcine pineal extract (PE), via methanol precipitation followed by reverse-phase HPLC. F2M3R is cytotoxic for a highly apoptosis-resistant human erythroleukemia cell line (K562) at a concentration as low as 30 microg/ml. The viability of the cells was not influenced by an identical prepared porcine pituitary extract or by melatonin. PE induces apoptosis in K562 cells as indicated by three different criteria: morphology, in situ TUNEL assay and bi-parametric FACS analysis with annexin V and propidium iodide, but does not influence the viability of stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These observations warrant further purification and validation of the cytotoxicity in a panel of different human tumour and non-malignant cells.

The role of the pineal gland in neuroendocrine control mechanisms of neoplastic growth

A survey of papers read during a workshop held in Vienna, 1977, is given showing that the pineal gland can be considered a model for research on neuroendocrine control mechanisms in neoplastic growth. From data obtained by different authors it can be concluded that the role of the pineal indole melatonin is very important in regard of the incidence and the development of tumours. On the basis of all the facts mentioned in this paper it is obvious that pineal gland activity should be included into the neuroendocrine factors studied in relation with oncogenic processes. For future research a number of experimental approaches, which need special emphasis, are recommended.

Pineal effects on metabolism and glucose homeostasis: evidence for lines of humoral mediation of pineal influences on tumor growth

Results from animal experiments support the hypothesis that pineal gland function can influence some aspects of tissue metabolism and glucose homeostasis. Evidence of pineal effects on particular endocrine and sympatheto-adrenal targets contributes to an understanding of indirect routes by which pineal activity can possibly affect the growth and activity of some kinds of tumors, in part through nutrient and metabolic effects in the tissue environment of the tumor cells.