Abstract
The indole hormone melatonin is secreted in a biphasic circadian rhythm by the pineal gland. This review presents a summary of recent results concerning — (i) factors that influence melatonin synthesis; (ii) the existence of melatonin receptors in brain tissue; (iii) the effects of melatonin as a modulator of dopaminergic, noradrenergic, GABAergic and opioidergic neurotransmitter processes; (iv) the influence of melatonin on the electric activity and metabolic rate of certain brain nuclei; and (v) melatonin effects on hormone secretion in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. A basic mechanism of melatonin action via cyclic nucleotides and thus protein phosphorylation is presented.
Highlights
(i) factors that influence melatonin synthesis; (ii) the existence o f melatonin receptors in brain tissue; (Hi) the effects o f melatonin as a modulator o f dopaminergic, noradrenergic, GABAergic and opioidergic neurotransmitter processes; (iv) the influence o f melatonin on the electric activity and metabolic rate o f certain brain nuclei; and (v) melatonin effects on hormone secretion in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis
This review presents a summary o f recent results concerning —
Pituitary-adrenal and thyroid effects on melatonin content of the rat pineal gland
Summary
M. Haag* en J.J. Theron Departement Fisiologie, Universiteit van Pretoria, Posbus 2034, Pretoria 0001. Die indoolhormoon melatonien word volgens 'n bifasiese sirkadiese ritme deur die pineaalklier afgeskei. Hierdie oorsigartikel bied ’n opsomming van onlangse resultate oor:. (i) faktore wat melatoniensekresie beinvloed; (ii) die bestaan van melatonienreseptore in breinweefsel; (Hi) ejfekte van melatonien as ’n moduleerder van dopaminergiese, noradrenergiese, GABA-ergiese en opioiedergiese neurooordragsprosesse; (iv) die invloed van melatonien op elektriese aktiwiteit en metaboliese snelheid van sekere breinkerne; asook (v) melatonienejfekte op hormoonafskeiding in die hipotalamus-hipofise-as. ’n Grondliggende meganisme van melatonienwerking deur middel van sikliese nukleotiede en proteienfosforilering word verder voorgestel
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif vir Natuurwetenskap en Tegnologie
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
