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Melatonin receptors: current status, facts, and hypotheses
1Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284-7762.
Life Sciences
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Researchers have identified numerous melatonin binding sites, often called melatonin receptors, using autoradiographic and biochemical methods. These studies primarily focused on animal models, revealing widespread binding in the brain and pituitary gland.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Melatonin's widespread actions necessitate understanding its binding sites.
- Recent advancements have improved the identification of melatonin binding sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize recent progress in identifying melatonin binding sites.
- To highlight key tissues and methods used in melatonin receptor research.
Main Methods:
- Autoradiographic and biochemical techniques were predominantly used.
- Tritium- and iodine-labelled ligands were employed, with iodine-labelled ligands showing more consistent data.
- Studies primarily utilized animal models (rat, hamster, sheep) and human tissues.
Main Results:
- Melatonin binding sites are widespread in the central nervous system, particularly in the suprachiasmatic nuclei.
- The pars tuberalis of the anterior pituitary gland is another significant site for melatonin binding.
- Potential time-dependent variations in binding densities were observed in neural and pituitary tissues.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in mapping melatonin binding sites, primarily in the CNS and pituitary.
- Further research is needed to explore melatonin binding outside the central nervous system.
- Understanding intracellular mechanisms mediating melatonin action requires further investigation.