MELATONIN

Introduction:
• Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an indoleamine.
• Hormone secreted by the pineal gland.
• Chemical structure identified in 1958.
• Expressed rhythmically throughout the day.
• Extrapineal melatonin : retinal , gastrointestinal and harderian
gland melatonin.
 Melatonin biosynthesis

Precursor: Tryptophan.

Enzymes involved:
• Tryptophan-5-hydroxylase
• 5HTP-decarboxylase
• Precursor:
Serotnin-N-acetyltransferase
Tryptophan.
• Enzymes
Hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase
involved:

Rate limiting step:

Serotonin-N-acetyltransferase
 Melatonin secretion :
• Blood melatonin is mainly bound to albumin (70%). Circulating melatonin can
reach all body tissues including brain and is able to cross the blood–brain
barrier to modulate brain activity.
• Melatonin secretion starts at 3-4 months of age when nighttime sleeping
consolidates.
• Peak levels at 1-3 years of age.
• Slightly lower levels through early adulthood and marked decline in levels
afterwards.

The 24-Hour Cycle of Melatonin Production

Melatonin catabolism :

Melatonin
Regulation of melatonin synthesis
Regulation of melatonin synthesis
 MELATONIN ACTION :
Melatonin has a variety of means by which it influences the physiology of organism:

1. RECEPTOR MEDIATED ACTIONS

2. RECEPTOR INDEPENDENT ACTIONS

1. Receptor mediated action :

• MT1 and MT2

receptor
 Major membrane receptors
 They are members of the G protein coupled
receptor family with seven transmembrane
domains.

• MT3 receptor
 MT3, is seemingly identical to the cystosolic
enzyme, quinone reductase 2 (QR2)
 Mechanism of MT1 and MT2 receptor mediated action

Melatonin released in the pineal gland travels back to the SCN, where it interacts
with MT1 and MT2 receptors
MT1 suppresses SCN firing, reducing alertness
MT2 is responsible for circadian phase shifts
Non receptor mediated action of melatonin
Melatonin receptors and signal transduction mechanism
 Functions of melatonin
Control circardian rhythymicity
and seasonality

Antioxidant activity Immunity

Mediates many hormone Vital part of many biochemical systems

functions including sleep and learning.

An endogenous synchroniser
 Potential medical indications

• Cancer
• Immunology
• Menstrual cycle - fertility
• Puberty onset
• Learning and memory
• Treatment of circadian rhythm
disorders- jet lag
• Mood disorders-SAD.
CONCLUSION:

• Melatonin is aften referred to as “a time giver hormone” and also “ the

hormone of darkness”.

• Finally, melatonin is generally classified as a hormone, it is in fact a molecule

with paracrine, autocrine and antioxidant actions.

• Considering its diverse actions via both receptor and receptor-independent

actions, to classify melatonin exclusively as a hormone seems inappropriate.
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