Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Parietal Eye (Pineal and Parietal Organs) of Lower Vertebrates

  • Chapter
Visual Centers in the Brain

Part of the book series: Handbook of Sensory Physiology ((1536,volume 7 / 3 / 3 B))

Abstract

In the course of evolution the median eyes, in addition to paired lateral eyes, have independently developed in several classes of animals including crustaceans, insects and vertebrates. Within the order of vertebrates some lower classes including fishes, amphibians and reptiles possess photosensitive structures within the epiphyseal complex deriving ontogenetically from the diencephalon. While the gross anatomy of the median eyes has been well examined for over 100 years, the fine structure and knowledge of the physiological properties of median photoreceptors has remained remarkably incomplete. Until recently their functional role was based mainly on indirect evidence and speculation, except for the classes of crustaceans and insects in which both the functional operation and the sensory significance of the median eyes (ocelli) are well known.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Ariëns kappers, J.: The sensory innervation of the pineal organ in the lizard, Lacerta viridis, with remarks on its position in the trend of pineal phylogenetic structural and functional evolution. Z. Zellforsch. 81, 581–618 (1967).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Autrum, H., Metschl, N.: Beziehungen zwischen Lichtreiz und Erregung im Ocellusnerven von Calliphora erythrocephala. Z. Naturforsch. 16 b, 384–388 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  • Axelrod, J., Wurtman, R.J., Winget, Ch. M.: Melatonin synthesis in the hen pineal gland and its control by light. Nature (Lond.) 201, 1134 (1964).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bagnara, J.T.: The pineal and the body lightening reaction of larval amphibians. Gen. comp. Endocr. 3, 86–100 (1963).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bagnara, J.T.: Independent actions of pineal and hypophysis in the regulation of chromatophores of anuran larvae. Gen. comp. Endocr. 4, 299–303 (1964).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bargmann, W.: Die Epiphysis cerebri. In: W. v. Möllendorf’s Handbuch der mikroskopischen Anatomie des Menschen, Bd. VI/4. Berlin: Springer 1943.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baumann, Ch.: Lichtabhängige langsame Potentiale aus dem Stirnorgan des Frosches. Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol. 276, 56–65 (1962).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baumann, Ch.: Die absolute Schwelle der isolierten Froschnetzhaut. Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol. 280, 81–88 (1964).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bogenschütz, H.: Extraokulare Steuerung des Farbwechsels bei Kaulquappen. Experientia (Basel) 21, 451 (1965).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Braem, F.: Epiphysis und Hypophysis von Rana. Z. wiss. Zool. 63, 433–439 (1898).

    Google Scholar 

  • Breuer, C.M., Rasquin, P.: Comparative studies in the light sensitivity of blind characins from a series of Mexican caves. Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. 89, 325–351 (1947).

    Google Scholar 

  • Breuer, C.M., Rasquin, P.: A preliminary report on the role of the pineal organ in the control of pigment cells and light reactions in recent teleost fishes. Science 111, 10–12 (1950).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brindley, G.S.: Physiology of the Retina and the Visual Pathway. London: Edward Arnold 1960.

    Google Scholar 

  • Charlton, H.M.: The pineal gland and color change in Xenopus laevis Daudin. Gen. comp. Endocr. 7, 384–397 (1966).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chernetski, K.E.: Personal communication (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Clausen, H. J., Poris, E.G.: The effect of light upon sexual activity in the lizard, Anolis carolinensis, with especial reference to the pineal body. Anat. Rec. 69, 39–50 (1937).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dodt, E.: Photosensitivity of the pineal organ in the teleost, Salmo irideus (Gibbons). Experientia (Basel) 19, 642–643 (1963).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dodt, E.: Aktivierung markhaltiger und markloser Fasern im Pinealnerven bei Belichtung des Stirnorgans. Progr. Brain Res. 5, 201–205 (1964).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dodt, E.: Vergleichende Physiologie der lichtempfindlichen Wirbeltier-Epiphyse. Nova Acta Leopoldina N. F. 31, 219–235 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  • Dodt, E., Heerd, E.: Mode of action of pineal nerve fibers in frogs. J. Neurophysiol. 25, 405–429 (1962).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dodt, E., Jacobson, M.: Photosensitivity of a localized region of the frog diencephalon. J. Neurophysiol. 26, 752–758 (1963).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dodt, E., Morita, Y.: Conduction of nerve impulses within the pineal system of frog. Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol. 293, 184–192 (1967).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dodt, E., Morita, Y.: Purkinje-Verschiebung, absolute Schwelle und adaptives Verhalten einzelner Elemente der intrakranialen Anuren-Epiphyse. Vision Res. 4, 413–421 (1964).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dodt, E., Scherer, E.: The electroretinogram of the third eye. Advances in electrophysiology and -pathology of the visual system. VIth ISCERG Symposium, pp. 231–237. Leipzig: VEB G. Thieme 1968a.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dodt, E. , Scherer, E.: Photic responses from the parietal eye of the lizard Lacerta sicula campestris (de Betta). Vision Res. 8, 61–72 (1968b).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eakin, R.M.: Photoreceptors in the amphibian frontal organ. Proc. nat. Acad. Sci. (Wash.) 47, 1084–1088 (1961a).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eakin, R.M.: Cytochemical and cytological studies of the parietal eye of the lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis. Z. Zellforsch. 53, 449–470 (1961b).

    Google Scholar 

  • Eakin, R.M.: Development of the third eye in the lizard Sceloporus occidentalis. Rev. Suisse Zool. 71, 267–285 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  • Eakin, R.M., Westfall, J. A.: Further observations of the fine structure of the parietal eye of lizards. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 8, 483–499 (1960).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Frisch, K. Von: Beiträge zur Physiologie der Pigmentzellen in der Fischhaut. Pflügers Arch, ges. Physiol. 138, 319–387 (1911).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fuchs, R.F.: Der Farbenwechsel und die chromatische Hautfunktion der Tiere. In: Winterstein, H.: Handbuch vergl. Physiol., Bd. III, 1/II, S. 1189–1652. Jena: G. Fischer 1914.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gaupp, E.: Zirbel, Parietalorgan und Paraphysis. Ergebn. Anat. Entwickl.-Gesch. 7, 208–285 (1897).

    Google Scholar 

  • Glaser, R.: Increase in locomotor activity following shielding of the parietal eye in night lizards. Science 128, 1577–1578 (1958).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Granit, R., Riddell, H. A.: The electrical responses of light- and dark-adapted frog’s eyes to rhythmic and continuous stimuli. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 81, 1–28 (1934).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hamasaki, D.I.: Properties of the parietal eye of green iguanas. Vision Res. 8, 591–599 (1968).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hamasaki, D.I.: Spectral sensitivity of the parietal eye of green iguanas. Vision Res. 9, 515–523 (1969).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hamasaki, D.I., Dodt, E.: Light sensitivity of the lizard’s Epiphysis cerebri. Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol. 313, 19–29 (1969).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hamasaki, D.I., Streck, P.: Properties of the epiphysis cerebri of the small-spotted dogfish shark, Scyliorhinus caniculus L. Vision Res. 11, 189–198 (1971).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holmgren, N.: Zur Kenntnis der Parietalorgane von Rana temporaria. Ark. Zool. 11, No. 24 (1917).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hrachovina, V.: Schwellenleuchtdichte elektronisch gemittelter Elektroretinogramme dunkeladaptierter Augen. Albrecht v. Graefes Arch. klin. exp. Ophthal. 173, 192–198 (1967).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hubbard, R.: Retinene isomerase. J. gen. Physiol. 39, 935–962 (1956).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, F. R. H.: The behaviour of minnows in relation to light intensity. J. exp. Biol. 33, 271–281 (1956).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kähling, J.: Untersuchungen über den Lichtsinn und dessen Lokalisation bei dem Höhlenfisch Anoptichthys jordani Hubbs und Innes (Characidae). Biol. Zbl. 80, 439–451 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kleine, A.: Über die Parietalorgane bei einheimischen und ausländischen Anuren. Z. Naturw. (Jena) 64, 339–376 (1929).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kosswig, C.: Zur Phylogenese sogenannter Anpassungsmcrkmale bei Höhlentieren. Int. Rev. ges. Hydrobiol. 45, 493–512 (1960).

    Google Scholar 

  • Langlois, J.P.: La régulation thermique chez les poikilothermes. J. Physiol. Path. gén. 4, 249–256 (1902).

    Google Scholar 

  • Laurens, H.: The reactions of the melanophores of ambystoma larvae — the supposed influence of the pineal organ. J. exp. Zool. 20, 237–261 (1916).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lek, B. van der, de Heer, J., Burgers, A.C. J., van Oordt, G.J.: The direct reaction of the tailfin melanophores of xenopus tadpoles to light. Acta physiol. pharmacol. neerl. 7, 409–419 (1958).

    Google Scholar 

  • Lek, B. Van Der: Photosensitive Melanophores. Thesis, Utrecht 1967.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lerner, A.B., Case, J. D., Takahashi, Y., Lee, T.H., Mori, W.: Isolation of melatonin, the pineal gland factor that lightens melanocytes. J. Amer. ehem. Soc. 80, 2587 (1958).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lindauer, M., Schricker, B.: Über die Funktion der Ocellen bei den Dämmerungsflügen der Honigbiene. Biol. Zbl. 82, 721–725 (1963).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mautner, W.: Studien an der Epiphysis cerebri und am Subcommissuralorgan der Frösche. Z. Zellforsch. 67, 234–270 (1965).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mc Cord, C.P., Allen, F.P.: Evidences associating pineal gland function with alterations in pigmentation. J. exp. Zool. 23, 207–224 (1917).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, W.H., Wolbarsht, M.L.: Neural activity in the parietal eye of a lizard. Science 135, 316–317 (1962).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morita, Y.: Extra- und intracelluläre Ableitungen einzelner Elemente des lichtempfindlichen Zwischenhirns anurer Amphibien. Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol. 286, 97–108 (1965).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morita, Y.: Entladungsmuster pinealer Neurone der Regenbogenforelle (Salmo irideus) bei Belichtung des Zwischenhirns. Pflügers Arch. ges. Physiol. 289, 155–167 (1966).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morita, Y.: Wellenlängen-Diskriminatoren im intrakranialen Pinealorgan von Rana catesbyana. Experientia (Basel) 25, 1277 (1969).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morita, Y., Dodt, E.: Nervous activity of the frog’s Epiphysis cerebri in relation to illumination. Experientia (Basel) 21, 221–222 (1965).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Motte, I. de la: Untersuchungen zur vergleichenden Physiologie der Lichtempfindlichkeit geblendeter Fische. Z. vergl. Physiol. 49, 58–90 (1964).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nowikoff, M.: Untersuchungen über den Bau, die Entwicklung und die Bedeutung des Parietalauges von Sauriern. Z. wiss. Zool. 96, 119–207 (1910).

    Google Scholar 

  • Oksche, A.: Survey of the development and comparative morphology of the pineal organ. Progr. Brain Res. 10, 3–29 (1965).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oksche, A., Harnack, M. von: Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen am Stirnorgan von Anuren. (Zur Frage der Lichtrezeptoren.) Z. Zellforsch. 59, 239–288 (1963).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oksche, A., Vaupel-von Harnack, M.: Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen an der Epiphysis cerebri von Rana esculenta. Z. Zellforsch. 59, 582–614 (1963).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oksche, A., Vaupel-von Harnack, M.: Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen an den Nervenbahnen des Pinealkomplexes von Rana esculenta L. Z. Zellforsch. 68, 389–426 (1965).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oksche, A., Vaupel-von Harnack, M.: Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen zur Frage der Sinneszellen im Pinealorgan der Vögel. Z. Zellforsch. 69, 41–60 (1966).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oksche, A., Kirschstein, H.: Die Ultrastruktur der Sinneszellen im Pinealorgan von Phoxinus laevis L. Z. Zellforsch. 78, 151–166 (1967).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oksche, A., Kirschstein, H.: Unterschiedlicher elektronenmikroskopischer Feinbau der Sinneszellen im Parietalauge und im Pinealorgan (Epiphysis cerebri) der Lacertilia. Z. Zellfoschr. 87, 159–192 (1968).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Palenschat, D.: Beitrag zur lokomotorischen Aktivität der Blindschleiche (Anguis fragilis L.) unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Parietalorgans. Thesis, Göttingen (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  • Parker, G. H.: The influence of light and heat on the movement of the melanophore pigment, especially in lizards. J. exp. Zool. 3, 401–414 (1906).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peregrin, J.: Personal communication (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  • Pflugfelder, O.: Physiologie der Epiphyse. Zool. Anz. Suppl. 20, 53–75 (1957).

    Google Scholar 

  • Reiter, R.J.: The pineal gland: A report of some recent physiological studies. Edgewood Arsenal Technical Report 4110, Maryland 1967.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rüdeberg, C.: Structure of the pineal organ of the Sardine, Sardina pilchardus sardine (RISSO), and some further remarks on the pineal organ of Mugil spp. Z. Zellforsch. 84, 219–237 (1968).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rüdeberg, C.: Light and electron microscopic studies on the pineal organ of the dogfish, Scyliorhinus canicula L. Z. Zellforsch. 96, 548–581 (1969).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schäfer, O.: Spektrale Empfindlichkeit und absolute Schwelle des Farbwechsels geblendeter Elritzen (Phoxinus phoxinus L.). Biol. Zbl. 83, 47–66 (1964).

    Google Scholar 

  • Stebbins, R.C., Eakin, R.M.: The role of the “third eye” in reptilian behaviour. Amer. Museum Novitates Nr. 1870, 1–40 (1958).

    Google Scholar 

  • Stebbins, R.C., Wilhoft, D.C.: Influence of the parietal eye on activity in lizards. In: Bowman, R.I. (Ed.): The Galapagos. Proc. of the Symp. of the Galapagos Internat. Scientific project, pp. 258–268. Berkeley: University of California Press 1966.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steyn, W.: Observations on the ultrastructure of the pineal eye. J. roy. micr. Soc. 79, 47–58 (1960a).

    Google Scholar 

  • Steyn, W.: Electron microscopic observations on the epiphysial sensory cells in lizards and the pineal sensory cell problem. Z. Zellforsch. 51, 735–747 (1960b).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steyn, W.: Some epithalamic organs, the subcommissural organ, and their possible relation to vertebrate emergence on dry land. S. Afr. J. Sci. 57, 283–286 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  • Studnička, F.K.: Die Parietalorgane. In: Oppel, A.: Lehrbuch der vergl. mikrosk. Anat. d. Wirbeltiere, Part 5. Jena: G. Fischer 1905.

    Google Scholar 

  • Svaetichin, G.: Spectral response curves from single cones. Acta physiol. scand. 39, Suppl. 134, 17–46 (1956).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thines, G.: Beobachtungen über die Phototaxis und die Thermotaxis des blinden Höhlenfisches Caecobarbus geertsi Blgr (Cyprinidae). Experientia (Basel) 14, 381–382 (1958).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tilkey, F., Warren, L. F.: The morphology and evolutional significance of the pineal body. Amer. Anat. Mem. No. 9. The Wistar Inst. Philadelphia 1919.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tomita, T.: Electrical activity in the vertebrate retina. J. opt. Soc. Amer. 53, 49–57 (1963).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ueck, M.: Ultrastruktur des pinealen Sinnesapparates bei einigen Pipidae und Discoglossidae. Z. Zellforsch. 92, 452–476 (1968).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wald, G., Kraindst, J. M.: The median eye of Limulus: An ultraviolet receptor. Proc. nat. Acad. Sci. (Wash.) 50, 1011–1017 (1963).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wurtman, R. J., Axelrod, J.: The formation, metabolism and physiologic effects of melatonin in mammals. Progr. Brain Res. 10, 520–529 (1965).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wurtman, R. J., Axelrod, J., Kelly, D.E.: The Pineal. New York: Academic Press 1968.

    Google Scholar 

  • Young, J.Z.: The photoreceptors of lampreys. II. The functions of the pineal complex. J. exp. Biol. 12, 254–270 (1935).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bad Nauheim, Germany

    Eberhard Dodt

Authors
  1. Eberhard Dodt
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Richard Jung

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1973 Springer-Verlag, Berlin · Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Dodt, E. (1973). The Parietal Eye (Pineal and Parietal Organs) of Lower Vertebrates. In: Jung, R. (eds) Visual Centers in the Brain. Handbook of Sensory Physiology, vol 7 / 3 / 3 B. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-65495-4_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-65495-4_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-65497-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-65495-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation