Neopterin Retards Loss of Serotonin N-Acetyltransferase Activity from Cultured Chick Pineal Glands

Abstract: d -Neopterin at 10 μ M delayed start of the decline of serotonin N -acetyltransferase (NAT) activity from the peak level in the cycle exhibited by chick pineal glands cultured under standard conditions in the dark. A less marked retardation of decline of NAT activity was found with glands cultured under diurnal illumination or those exposed prematurely to light. There were no significant effects of neopterin on the increases of NAT activity or peak levels of activity developed. The pteridine also retarded loss of NAT activity from the peak level developed in the dark when the time of explanting into culture was later in the (solar) day, but not when it was earlier. Neopterin had no effect on the cycle in cyclic GMP content of cultured chick pineal glands.