Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Immune-Pineal Axis: Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) Mediates the Shift in the Melatonin Source from Pinealocytes to Immune Competent Cells

Full text
Author(s):
Markus, Regina P. [1] ; Cecon, Erika [1] ; Pires-Lapa, Marco Antonio [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Physiol, Lab Chronopharmacol, Inst Biosci, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Review article
Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES; v. 14, n. 6, p. 10979-10997, JUN 2013.
Web of Science Citations: 59
Abstract

Pineal gland melatonin is the darkness hormone, while extra-pineal melatonin produced by the gonads, gut, retina, and immune competent cells acts as a paracrine or autocrine mediator. The well-known immunomodulatory effect of melatonin is observed either as an endocrine, a paracrine or an autocrine response. In mammals, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor.-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappa B) blocks noradrenaline-induced melatonin synthesis in pinealocytes, which induces melatonin synthesis in macrophages. In addition, melatonin reduces NF-kappa B activation in pinealocytes and immune competent cells. Therefore, pathogen-or danger-associated molecular patterns transiently switch the synthesis of melatonin from pinealocytes to immune competent cells, and as the response progresses melatonin inhibition of NF-kappa B activity leads these cells to a more quiescent state. The opposite effect of NF-kappa B in pinealocytes and immune competent cells is due to different NF-kappa B dimers recruited in each phase of the defense response. This coordinated shift of the source of melatonin driven by NF-kappa B is called the immune-pineal axis. Finally, we discuss how this concept might be relevant to a better understanding of pathological conditions with impaired melatonin rhythms and hope it opens new horizons for the research of side effects of melatonin-based therapies. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 07/07871-6 - Imune-pineal Axis: injury shifts melatonin production from endocrine to paracrine
Grantee:Regina Pekelmann Markus
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants