Pineal Melatonin: Cell Biology of Its Synthesis and of Its Physiological Interactions*

Reíter, Russel J.

doi:10.1210/edrv-12-2-151

Cited by 2,074 publications

(1,393 citation statements)

References 205 publications

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“…Melatonin plasma concentration varies according to a circadian cycle and this cyclic production determines the periodic effects at a systemic level [8]. Melatonin is evolutionary conserved and exerts many regulatory functions by modulating cellular behavior via binding to specific receptors and intracellular targets (Figure 2) [9,10].…”

Section: Melatonin Synthesis and Its Targetsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Melatonin: A pleiotropic molecule regulating inflammation

Radogna

Diederich

Ghibelli

2010

Biochemical Pharmacology

308

247

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Melatonin is a neurohormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep and circadian functions. Melatonin also regulates inflammatory and immune processes acting as both an activator and inhibitor of these responses. Melatonin demonstrates endocrine, but also paracrine and autocrine effects in the leukocyte compartment: on one side, leukocytes respond to melatonin in a circadian fashion; on the other side, leukocytes are able to synthesize melatonin by themselves.With its endocrine and paracrine effects, melatonin differentially modulates pro-inflammatory enzymes, controls production of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and leukotrienes and regulates the lifespan of leukocytes by interfering with apoptotic processes. Moreover, its potent anti-oxidant ability allows scavenging of oxidative stress in the inflamed tissues. The interesting timing of pro-and anti-inflammatory effects, such as those affecting lipoxygenase activity, suggests that melatonin might promote early phases of inflammation on one hand and contribute to its attenuation on the other hand, in order to avoid complications of chronic inflammation. This review aims at giving a comprehensive overview of the various inflammatory pathways regulated by this pleiotropic hormone.

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Section: Melatonin Synthesis and Its Targetsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Melatonin: A pleiotropic molecule regulating inflammation

Radogna

Diederich

Ghibelli

2010

Biochemical Pharmacology

308

247

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“…In this role, melatonin behaves as a classic animal hormone, with a membrane-bound receptor [Ebisawa et al, 1994], a G-protein signal-transduction pathway [Reiter, 1991], and possibly a nuclear receptor [Becker-Andre et al, 1994]. In mammals, among several organs that produce it, melatonin is secreted from the pineal gland at night, but levels are quickly suppressed during the day.…”

Section: Melatonin's Role In Animalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Putative regulatory molecules in plants: evaluating melatonin

Tassel

O’Neill

2001

Journal of Pineal Research

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Numerous classes of chemicals have been considered as regulators of various aspects of plant growth and development. In evaluating these putative regulatory molecules, plant biologists have encountered a number of challenges, including: the problem of quantifying substances present at trace levels in extremely complex mixtures; difficulty in obtaining and interpreting phenotypic responses to exogenous applications; and, until recently, the inability to selectively alter endogenous levels of these substances. Melatonin (N-acetyl 5-methoxytryptamine), a methoxylated indoleamine, is a potential regulatory molecule found in plants. Although no specific phenotype is currently associated with melatonin or its analogs in higher plants, it has important and unique biological activity in many other taxa, from algae to primates. In these organisms, melatonin functions as a night signal, coordinating responses to diurnal and photoperiodic environmental cues. We assess the process by which melatonin has been evaluated in plants so far and find that many of the methods for melatonin analysis, which have been adopted from animal studies, are inappropriate for use with plant materials. Thus, despite some interesting preliminary reports, research supporting the case for melatonin as a plant regulator is still in its infancy.

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“…A neural output signal, generated by the SCN, induces the synthesis of http://www.guidetopharmacology.org/GRAC/LigandDisplayForward?ligandId=224 at night by the pineal gland. The hormone is released into the third ventricle and subsequently the circulation (Reiter, 1991). Light, in addition to tuning the SCN, acts to inhibits melatonin synthesis.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

New perspectives on the role of melatonin in human sleep, circadian rhythms and their regulation

Zisapel

2018

British J Pharmacology

565

350

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In mammals, a central circadian clock, located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus, tunes the innate circadian physiological rhythms to the ambient 24 h light–dark cycle to invigorate and optimize the internal temporal order. The SCN‐activated, light‐inhibited production of melatonin conveys the message of darkness to the clock and induces night‐state physiological functions, for example, sleep/wake blood pressure and metabolism. Clinically meaningful effects of melatonin treatment have been demonstrated in placebo‐controlled trials in humans, particularly in disorders associated with diminished or misaligned melatonin rhythms, for example, circadian rhythm‐related sleep disorders, jet lag and shift work, insomnia in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, poor (non‐restorative) sleep quality, non‐dipping nocturnal blood pressure (nocturnal hypertension) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The diminished production of melatonin at the very early stages of AD, the role of melatonin in the restorative value of sleep (perceived sleep quality) and its sleep‐anticipating effects resulting in attenuated activation of certain brain networks are gaining a new perspective as the role of poor sleep quality in the build‐up of β amyloid, particularly in the precuneus, is unravelled. As a result of the recently discovered relationship between circadian clock, sleep and neurodegeneration, new prospects of using melatonin for early intervention, to promote healthy physical and mental ageing, are of prime interest in view of the emerging link to the aetiology of Alzheimer's disease.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Recent Developments in Research of Melatonin and its Potential Therapeutic Applications. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.16/issuetoc

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Pineal Melatonin: Cell Biology of Its Synthesis and of Its Physiological Interactions*

Cited by 2,074 publications

References 205 publications

Melatonin: A pleiotropic molecule regulating inflammation

Melatonin: A pleiotropic molecule regulating inflammation

Putative regulatory molecules in plants: evaluating melatonin

New perspectives on the role of melatonin in human sleep, circadian rhythms and their regulation

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