A brief review about melatonin, a pineal hormone

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Author(s):	do Amaral, Fernanda Gaspar ; Cipolla-Neto, Jose Total Authors: 2
Document type:	Journal article
Source:	ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY METABOLISM; v. 62, n. 4, p. 8-pg., 2018-07-01.
Abstract
Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule in nature, being locally synthesized in several cells and tissues, besides being a hormone that is centrally produced in the pineal gland of vertebrates, particularly in mammals. Its pineal synthesis is timed by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, that is synchronized to the light-dark cycle via the retinohypothalamic tract, placing melatonin synthesis at night, provided its dark. This unique trait turns melatonin into an internal synchronizer that adequately times the organism's physiology to the daily and seasonal demands. Besides being amphiphilic, melatonin presents specific mechanisms and ways of action devoted to its role as a time-giving agent, being widely spread in the organism. The present review aims to focus on melatonin as a pineal hormone with specific mechanisms and ways of action, besides presenting the clinical syndromes related to its synthesis and/or function disruptions. (AU)

FAPESP's process:	14/50457-0 - Melatonin and the control of energy metabolism: basic, clinical and epidemiological research
Grantee:	José Cipolla Neto
Support Opportunities:	Research Projects - Thematic Grants