Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Human Primary Trophoblast Cell Culture Model to Study the Protective Effects of Melatonin Against Hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced Disruption
Published on: July 30, 2016
[Melatonin and the heart]
1Fyziologický ústav, Lekárska fakulta Univerzity Komenského, Bratislava. rastislav.vazan@fmed.uniba.sk
Abstract:
Evidence gathered during the last years shows that the pineal hormone melatonin participates in the regulation of the heart. Melatoninergic receptors were found in the heart and vessels and also in the higher centers involved in the regulation of cardiovascular system. Melatonin protects the heart against ischaemia-reperfusion injury and also against cardiotoxic effects of adriamycin and alloxan. Lack of melatonin was repeatedly reported in patients with coronary heart disease. Intake of this hormone leads to decrease of blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive subjects, while pinealectomy induces hypertension. In addition melatonin can probably influence the levels of intracellular calcium in cardiomyocytes. The aim of this review is to summarize available evidence about effects of melatonin on the heart. Mechanisms involved in these effects are also suggested.
Related Concept Videos
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Management of Insomnia
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Regulation of Heart Rates
The SNS increases heart rate through the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which act on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. This action increases the rate of depolarization in the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's...

