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A brief review about melatonin, a pineal hormone
Fernanda Gaspar do Amaral1, José Cipolla-Neto2
1Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, SP Brasil.
Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism
|October 11, 2018
Summary
Melatonin, a hormone produced in the pineal gland, acts as an internal synchronizer for daily and seasonal rhythms. This review explores its mechanisms, actions, and clinical syndromes linked to its synthesis or function disruptions.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Chronobiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Melatonin is a widespread molecule synthesized both locally and centrally in the pineal gland.
- Its production is regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus and the light-dark cycle.
- Melatonin functions as a crucial internal synchronizer for physiological rhythms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review melatonin's role as a pineal hormone.
- To detail its specific mechanisms and modes of action.
- To present clinical syndromes associated with melatonin synthesis or function disruptions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on melatonin's endocrine and signaling functions.
- Analysis of the regulation of melatonin synthesis by the circadian system.
- Compilation of clinical data on melatonin-related disorders.
Main Results:
- Melatonin acts as an amphiphilic molecule with specialized signaling pathways.
- It synchronizes organismal physiology with daily and seasonal environmental cues.
- Disruptions in melatonin synthesis or function are linked to specific clinical syndromes.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin is a key pineal hormone essential for circadian rhythm regulation.
- Understanding its mechanisms and actions is vital for addressing related clinical conditions.
- Further research into melatonin's role can illuminate therapeutic strategies for chronobiological disorders.
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