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Extrapineal melatonin: sources, regulation, and potential functions.
Darío Acuña-Castroviejo1, Germaine Escames, Carmen Venegas
1Instituto de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Granada, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n, Armilla, 18100, Granada, Spain, dacuna@ugr.es.
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|February 21, 2014
Summary
Melatonin, an indoleamine, is produced beyond the pineal gland in many tissues and fluids. Its widespread presence highlights its crucial role in cellular homeostasis and potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Endogenous melatonin, synthesized from tryptophan, is an indoleamine with chronobiotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory functions.
- Melatonin's influence extends to endocrine and non-endocrine rhythms, mitochondrial homeostasis, and cellular redox status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the extrapineal production and presence of melatonin in mammalian organs, tissues, and fluids.
- To emphasize the physiological significance and potential therapeutic relevance of widespread melatonin availability.
Main Methods:
- Detection of melatonin using specific antibodies in various extrapineal tissues.
- Identification of melatonin-synthesizing enzymes in numerous tissues.
- Analysis of melatonin concentrations in biological fluids.
Main Results:
- Melatonin presence confirmed in numerous extrapineal tissues, including brain, skin, and immune cells.
- Melatonin-synthesizing enzymes identified in most detected extrapineal tissues.
- Melatonin found in virtually all biological fluids, with concentrations sometimes exceeding blood levels.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin is ubiquitously present in mammalian extrapineal tissues and biological fluids.
- Widespread melatonin availability is vital for cellular homeostasis and may have therapeutic implications.
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