No subject

of Consciousness Studies.  Council Oaks Books, Tulsa 1993. p. 305.

"Melanin: The Organizing Molecule

  Building on the "reflexive universe" model of Arthur M. Young ... 
physician Frank Barr hypothesizes that neuromelanin, a complex 
category of light and sound absorbing molecules, is responsible for 
our continuum of mental states.  It is the molecule, he claims, that 
coordinates interactions between the endocrine and nervous systems.  
Barr summarizes his theory:

  Neuromelanin - through 1) its photon-phonon-(exciton)-(soliton) 
interactions; 2) its semi- (and possibly super-) conductive 
capacities; 3) iots cation exchange flow; 4) its continuous free 
radical signal; 5) its neuroglia direct current; 6) its potentially 
diverse covalent modifications; 7) its potential to trigger 
reversible enzyme cascade amplifications; etc. - could precisely 
regulate the neuroendocrine system.  By meticulous phase-timing, 
neuromelanin could coordinate the synthesis, release, uptake, 
destruction, modification, and/or recycling of the various 
neuroamines and peptides throughout the brain".

(Certainly one of the more unusual theories which have been promoted 
to explain the function and regulation of the brain and the immune 
system!)

AJR