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Gastrointestinal melatonin: cellular identification and biological role
Igor M Kvetnoy1, Irina E Ingel, Tatiana V Kvetnaia
1Saint-Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Northwest Branch, 197110, Saint-Petersburg, Russia. kvetnoy@medport.ru
Neuro Endocrinology Letters
|May 16, 2002
Summary
Melatonin is a hormone with broad applications. This review focuses on its significant role in gastrointestinal functions, highlighting the gut as a major site for its production outside the pineal gland.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Melatonin, a hormone primarily from the pineal gland, exhibits a wide spectrum of biological activities.
- Research indicates extrapineal synthesis of melatonin occurs in various organs.
- The gastrointestinal tract is recognized as a significant extrapineal source of melatonin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted role of melatonin in regulating gastrointestinal functions.
- To consolidate current understanding of melatonin's synthesis and action within the digestive system.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on melatonin and the gastrointestinal tract.
- Analysis of research on extrapineal melatonin production.
- Synthesis of findings on melatonin's physiological effects in the gut.
Main Results:
- The gastrointestinal tract is a major site for melatonin synthesis beyond the pineal gland.
- Melatonin influences various gastrointestinal functions, including motility, secretion, and mucosal protection.
- Extrapineal melatonin plays a crucial role in maintaining gut homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin is a key regulator of gastrointestinal physiology.
- The gastrointestinal tract's capacity for melatonin synthesis underscores its importance in digestive health.
- Further research into melatonin's therapeutic potential in gastrointestinal disorders is warranted.