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Growth hormone responses to melatonin in man
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 28, 1974
Summary
Oral melatonin supplements significantly increased human growth hormone (hGH) levels in most men. This finding suggests melatonin may influence hGH secretion through brain pathways involving serotonin.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Melatonin is a hormone primarily known for regulating sleep-wake cycles.
- Its potential effects on other endocrine functions, such as growth hormone secretion, are less understood.
- Growth hormone (GH) plays a crucial role in metabolism, growth, and body composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of oral melatonin administration on serum human growth hormone (hGH) levels in healthy adult males.
- To determine if melatonin can stimulate GH release and to quantify the response.
Main Methods:
- Nine healthy adult males received an oral dose of 1 gram of melatonin.
- Serum samples were collected to measure hGH concentrations before and after melatonin intake.
- Peak hGH responses were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Eight out of nine subjects exhibited rapid and significant elevations in serum hGH levels post-melatonin administration.
- The mean peak hGH response observed was 22.9 +/- 4.6 microunits per milliliter.
- A notable increase in GH secretion was recorded in the majority of participants.
Conclusions:
- Oral melatonin administration can acutely stimulate the secretion of human growth hormone in normal males.
- The mechanism may involve the interaction of melatonin with hypothalamic serotoninergic receptors, influencing neuroendocrine pathways.
- These findings suggest a potential role for melatonin in modulating GH release, warranting further investigation into its hypothalamic mechanisms.