PubMed · 10424133
[Melatonin and its role the circadian function].
Abstract
Melatonin is a principal hormone of the vertebrate pineal gland. Its production, being under control of a circadian oscillator, follows circadian rhythmicity with high values at night and low values during day-hours. As the nocturnal production of melatonin is proportional to the length of the night (or dark phase of an imposed light-dark illumination cycle), the hormone conveys an important chronobiological message to the whole body, playing the role of a biochemical clock and calendar. This article surveys a current knowledge on regulation of melatonin biosynthesis, receptors and function, and particularly provides a comprehensive view of the role the hormone may play in the vertebrate circadian system.
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J Z Nowak, J B Zawilska. 1999. [Melatonin and its role the circadian function].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10424133/
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