Seasonal (circannual) rhythms play an important role for the control of body functions
(reproduction, metabolism, immune responses) in nearly all living organisms. Also humans
are affected by the seasons with regard to immune responses and mental functions, the
seasonal affective disorder being one of the most prominent examples. The hypophysial
pars tuberalis (PT), an important interface between the hypophysial pars distalis and
neuroendocrine centers in the brain, plays an essential role in the regulation of seasonal …