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Therapeutic perspectives for melatonin agonists and antagonists
P Delagrange1, J Atkinson, J A Boutin
1Institut de Recherches Internationales SERVIER, 6 Place des Pléiades, 92415 Courbevoie Cedex, France. philippe.delagrange@fr.netgrs.com
Journal of Neuroendocrinology
|March 8, 2003
Summary
Melatonin, a pineal gland hormone, influences brain and body functions. Research shows its roles in reducing anxiety, stress, and regulating cerebral blood flow and intestinal motility.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Physiology
Background:
- Melatonin is a neurohormone synthesized by the pineal gland, with diverse receptor distribution suggesting multiple functions.
- Endogenous melatonin exhibits anxiolytic effects and influences stress responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted physiological roles of melatonin in the brain and extracerebral organs.
- To investigate melatonin's effects on anxiety, stress, cerebral blood flow, and intestinal motility.
Main Methods:
- Administration of melatonin agonists and antagonists in animal models.
- In vivo studies on cerebral arterioles and cerebral blood flow autoregulation.
- Investigation of melatonin's effects on intestinal motility and hormonal responses.
Main Results:
- Melatonin agonists reduced neophobia and stress-induced perturbations; antagonists reversed anxiolytic effects.
- Melatonin constricted cerebral arterioles, potentially reducing ischemic risk.
- Melatonin regulated intestinal motility, shortening postprandial responses and modulating hormonal effects.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin plays significant roles in central and peripheral physiological processes, including mood, stress, cardiovascular function, and digestion.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the evolutionary impact on human melatonin function and to characterize receptor subtypes for targeted therapies.