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Updated: Apr 14, 2026

Human Primary Trophoblast Cell Culture Model to Study the Protective Effects of Melatonin Against Hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced Disruption
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Melatonin: Physiological effects in humans.

B Claustrat1, J Leston2

  • 1Inserm, U846 and Hormone Laboratory, Biology Centre, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Groupement Hospitalier Est, 59, boulevard Pinel, 69677 Bron, France.

Neuro-Chirurgie
|April 25, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Melatonin, a pineal gland hormone, signals night length to organize circadian and seasonal rhythms. Its disruption can impact health, suggesting therapeutic potential for melatonin.

Keywords:
Circadian rhythmsGlande pinéaleHumainHumanMelatoninMélatoninePathophysiologyPhysiologiePhysiologyRythmes circadiens

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Chronobiology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Melatonin is a methoxyindole primarily synthesized by the pineal gland.
  • Its secretion follows a circadian rhythm, regulated by the suprachiasmatic nuclei and light/dark cycles.
  • Melatonin conveys photoperiod information, influencing seasonal and circadian functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the physiological functions of melatonin.
  • To explore its role in organizing circadian rhythms and seasonal functions.
  • To discuss pathophysiological implications of melatonin secretion disturbances and therapeutic potential.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on melatonin synthesis, secretion, and function.
  • Analysis of methods for evaluating melatonin rhythm (plasma, saliva, urine metabolites).
  • Discussion of physiological versus pharmacological effects and clinical correlations.

Main Results:

  • Melatonin secretion signals night length and organizes circadian rhythms, including core body temperature and sleep-wake cycles.
  • It influences other physiological functions like immune response, antioxidant defenses, hemostasis, and glucose regulation.
  • Disturbed melatonin secretion is linked to increased disease predisposition and altered symptom severity.

Conclusions:

  • Melatonin is crucial for synchronizing circadian rhythms and conveying photoperiodic information.
  • Pathophysiological alterations in melatonin secretion have significant health implications.
  • Melatonin's widespread receptor distribution suggests broad therapeutic potential, warranting further clinical trials.