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Melatonin, 5-methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine, is a hormone found in all living creatures from algae * to humans, at levels that vary in a diurnal cycle. In higher animals melatonin is produced by pinealocytes in the pineal gland (located in the brain) and also by the retina and GI tract. It is naturally synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan (derived from serotonin) by the enzyme 5-hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase.
Many biological effects of melatonin are produced through activation of melatonin receptors, others are due to its role as a pervasive and extremely powerful antioxidant with a particular role in the protection of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11462772&query_hl=47&itool=pubmed_DocSum. Melatonin is also synthesized by various plants, such as rice, and ingested melatonin has been shown to be capable of reaching and binding to melatonin binding sites in the brains of mammals.
Production of melatonin by the pineal gland is under the influence of the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SCN) which receives information from the retina about the daily pattern of light and darkness. This signal forms part of the system that regulates the circadian cycle, but it is the SCN that controls the daily cycle in most components of the paracrine and endocrine systems ** rather than the melatonin signal (as was once postulated). Melatonin produced in the pineal gland acts as an endocrine hormone since it is released into the blood, whereas melatonin produced by the retina and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract acts as a paracrine hormone.
More on [ Melatonin ]
RT @FaktanyaAdalah: Saat udara dingin, hormon melatonin yg memicu rasa lapar mengalami kenaikan.
hnffthrzml (KatyCats) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:16:56 -0000
RT @FaktanyaAdalah: Saat udara dingin, hormon melatonin yg memicu rasa lapar mengalami kenaikan.
@VitaminShoppe some Snooze In Melatonin and Cal. Mag, Zinc pills
Air_Gemini1 (Alan ) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:10:13 -0000
@VitaminShoppe some Snooze In Melatonin and Cal. Mag, Zinc pills
@DoctorChristian is there good evidence for use of melatonin for jetlag? Why can't we get it here in the UK?
dinnydaethat (Denise Cowle) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:08:48 -0000
@DoctorChristian is there good evidence for use of melatonin for jetlag? Why can't we get it here in the UK?
@kaylanlehman Well damn. Sounds like fun! NOT! Take some melatonin next time. Its not bad for you.
decollins10 (Dana Collins) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:00:30 -0000
@kaylanlehman Well damn. Sounds like fun! NOT! Take some melatonin next time. Its not bad for you.
RT @dennysantoso: Jam segini masih susah tidur? Gunakan ini untuk bantu tidur km lebih gampang dan nyenyak: http://t.co/UeXK7Bas
sari_anggrek (anggrek sari) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:51:46 -0000
RT @dennysantoso: Jam segini masih susah tidur? Gunakan ini untuk bantu tidur km lebih gampang dan nyenyak: http://t.co/UeXK7Bas
Melatonin is my new best friend.
annielayne (Anna Staff) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:49:27 -0000
Melatonin is my new best friend.
CNN.com: Study Bolsters Melatonin Sleep Claims - Article about a piece of research that suggests melatonin can help regulate sleep patterns.
Meta Description: [ A new study is lending credence to the popular claim that the hormonal supplement melatonin can help regulate sleep patterns. ]
DrugDigest: Melatonin - Information on dosage, usage, side effects, interactions, and drug comparisons, including generics when available.
Melatonin Chapter - Chapter about the drug from Smart Drugs II. Includes graphs and references.
Melatonin Dreams - Questions and results of a survey that aims to study the effect of melatonin on dreams.
Melatonin Review - Dr Arlene Goldman's article covers melatonin's effects on jet-lag, cancer, and endocrine disorders.
Melatonin: The Basic Facts - Comprehensive fact sheet from the National Sleep Foundation.
Meta Description: [ Nonprofit organization supporting public education, sleep-related research, and advocacy related to sleep deprivation, sleep disorders. ]
Salon: Melatonin Mania - Moris Dye's article focuses on the hormone's use in combating jet-lag.
Scientific American: Melatoin Mania - Article that aims to dispel the myths surrounding the hormone.
Meta Description: [ Science and Technology at Scientific American.com: Melatonin Mania -- Science and Technology from Scientific American: daily science news and technology news, science trivia, science experts, science newsletters, science shop, science books and more ]
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