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Melatonin as a local regulator of human placental function
Shinya Iwasaki1, Kazumi Nakazawa, Jun Sakai
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Journal of Pineal Research
|September 10, 2005
Summary
Melatonin and its receptors are present in the human placenta. Melatonin enhances human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secretion, suggesting a role in regulating placental function and pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Melatonin is a key hormone in mammalian reproduction, acting centrally and peripherally.
- Its role in maintaining pregnancy at the feto-maternal interface requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and function of melatonin receptors (MT1, MT2) and synthesis enzymes (AA-NAT, HIOMT) in the human placenta.
- To determine the effect of melatonin on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) release from trophoblast cells.
Main Methods:
- RT-PCR and DNA sequencing were used to detect gene transcripts in first-trimester human placenta.
- Cultured human trophoblast cells were treated with melatonin to assess hCG secretion.
Main Results:
- Transcripts for MT1, MT2, AA-NAT, and HIOMT were identified in the first-trimester human placenta.
- Melatonin significantly increased hCG secretion from cultured human trophoblast cells at optimal concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin signaling components are present in the human placenta.
- Melatonin may regulate human placental function via paracrine/autocrine mechanisms, indicating a novel role in human reproduction.