Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 29, 2025
08:45
Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice
Published on: January 25, 2016
24.5K
Melatonin receptors, brain functions, and therapies
Atsuro Oishi1, Florence Gbahou1, Ralf Jockers1
1Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, Paris, France.
Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|July 6, 2021
Summary
Melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) regulate sleep and circadian rhythms. Targeting these receptors shows potential for treating complex neurological and psychiatric disorders beyond sleep issues.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Melatonin, a neurohormone, is secreted at night and acts via MT1 and MT2 receptors.
- These receptors are crucial for regulating circadian rhythms and sleep in mammals.
- Current drugs targeting melatonin receptors are used for sleep disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update knowledge on hypothalamic expression patterns of melatonin receptors in various states.
- To discuss the role of these receptors in regulating circadian rhythms and sleep.
- To present clinical applications of melatonin receptor-targeting drugs and formulations.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing literature on hypothalamic expression patterns of MT1 and MT2 receptors.
- Analyzing the role of melatonin receptors in circadian and sleep regulation.
- Summarizing clinical data for drugs like ramelteon, tasimelteon, agomelatine, and melatonin formulations.
Main Results:
- Melatonin receptors are expressed in the hypothalamus with altered patterns in aging and disease.
- These receptors significantly influence circadian rhythms and sleep.
- Clinical applications extend beyond sleep to potential benefits in depression and neurodegenerative diseases.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin receptors are key regulators of hypothalamic functions, circadian rhythms, and sleep.
- Targeting melatonin receptors offers therapeutic potential for a range of complex neurological and psychiatric conditions.
- Future research directions for melatonin receptor-targeting drugs are promising.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Management of Insomnia
356
The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
356
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
298
Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
298
01:11Understanding Sleep
876
Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
876
01:02The Pineal Gland
3.3K
The pineal gland, a diminutive endocrine structure named for its pinecone-shaped appearance, is situated atop the third ventricle within the diencephalon region of the forebrain. This gland, composed of secretory cells known as pinealocytes arranged in compact cords and clusters around dense particles of calcium salts, plays a pivotal role in hormonal regulation.
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...
3.3K
01:23Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
871
Sedatives are drugs that alleviate anxiety, while hypnotics induce sleep. Both classes of medication suppress neuronal activity, leading to a calming effect for sedatives and facilitating sleep for hypnotics.
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
871
01:13Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation
3.1K
The reticular formation is a complex network of gray and white matter located within the brainstem extending from the medulla to the midbrain.
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
3.1K