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Melatonin and the gastrointestinal tract

M T Martin1, F Azpiroz, J R Malagelada

  • 1Digestive System Research Unit, Hospital General Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.

Therapie
|January 28, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Melatonin is present in the digestive tract and may protect the gut lining. Its role in regulating gut motility, potentially through serotonin interactions, is explored in this study.

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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Endocrinology
  • Neurogastroenterology

Background:

  • Melatonin is found in the digestive tract, synthesized by gut enterochromaffin cells.
  • Its release may follow diurnal rhythms or depend on nutritional factors.
  • Melatonin binding sites are present in the gut, suggesting local functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of melatonin in regulating gastrointestinal motility.
  • To explore the relationship between melatonin and serotonin in gut activity.
  • To describe the effects of melatonin on gut transit and intestinal electromyography.

Main Methods:

  • Studies on species where melatonin is detected in the digestive tract.
  • Identification of melatonin binding sites in the gastrointestinal mucosa.
  • Analysis of melatonin's effects on segmental gut transit (fasting/fed states) and small intestine electromyography in rats.

Main Results:

  • Melatonin's presence and synthesis in the gut are confirmed.
  • Evidence suggests melatonin acts as a gastrointestinal mucosa protector.
  • Melatonin influences gut motility, with some effects mediated by serotonin antagonism.

Conclusions:

  • Melatonin plays a significant role in gastrointestinal physiology.
  • It may protect the gut lining and regulate motility.
  • Further research into the melatonin-serotonin interaction in the gut is warranted.

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