Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

High-Throughput Small Molecule Drug Screening For Age-Related Sleep Disorders Using Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: October 20, 2023
[Circadian rhythms of pineal gland melatonin-forming function in healthy elderly people]
Abstract:
Circadian rhythms of pineal gland melatonin-forming function were studied in healthy elderly people (n=31, age range 60-74 years). The blood plasma melatonin concentration was determined by means of radioimmune method at 3.00, 9.00, 15.00 and 21.00. The study revealed two types of circadian rhythms of plasma melatonin concentration: a high-amplitude (29%) and a low-amplitude (71%) ones. The high-amplitude rhythm of melatonin-forming pineal gland function was observed in elderly people with a higher physical working ability and a lower functional age of cardiovascular system. It is advisable to conduct the correction of pineal gland melatonin-forming function in elderly people with low-amplitude circadian rhythm of plasma melatonin concentration.
Related Concept Videos
The Pineal Gland
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...
Major Hormones and Their Functions
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
Management of Insomnia
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
