Cited by 740Circadian rhythm and melatoninNeuropeptides and Animal Physiologymelanin and skin pigmentation

Generation of the Melatonin Endocrine Message in Mammals: A Review of the Complex Regulation of Melatonin Synthesis by Norepinephrine, Peptides, and Other Pineal Transmitters

Simonneaux, Valerie, Ribelayga, Christophe·2003·Pharmacological Reviews

Abstract

Melatonin, the major hormone produced by the pineal gland, displays characteristic daily and seasonal patterns of secretion. These robust and predictable rhythms in circulating melatonin are strong synchronizers for the expression of numerous physiological processes in photoperiodic species. In mammals, the nighttime production of melatonin is mainly driven by the circadian clock, situated in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, which controls the release of norepinephrine from the dense pineal sympathetic afferents. The pivotal role of norepinephrine in the nocturnal stimulation of melatonin synthesis has been extensively dissected at the cellular and molecular levels. Besides the noradrenergic input, the presence of numerous other transmitters originating from various sources has been reported in the pineal gland. Many of these are neuropeptides and appear to contribute to the regulation of melatonin synthesis by modulating the effects of norepinephrine on pineal biochemistry. The aim of this review is firstly to update our knowledge of the cellular and molecular events underlying the noradrenergic control of melatonin synthesis; and secondly to gather together early and recent data on the effects of the nonadrenergic transmitters on modulation of melatonin synthesis. This information reveals the variety of inputs that can be integrated by the pineal gland; what elements are crucial to deliver the very precise timing information to the organism. This also clarifies the role of these various inputs in the seasonal variation of melatonin synthesis and their subsequent physiological function.

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Crossref · 10.1124/pr.55.2.2

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Authors
Simonneaux, V., & Ribelayga, C.
Affiliations
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (FR)
Venue
Pharmacological Reviews
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2003-06
Volume
55
Issue
2
Pages
325-395
ISSN
0031-6997 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2111561559
Cited by
740
References
1,088
Citations by year
2026: 18 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 21 · 2023: 24 · 2022: 31 · 2021: 41 · 2020: 28 · 2019: 36 · 2018: 33 · 2017: 28 · 2016: 38 · 2015: 41 · 2014: 47 · 2013: 34 · 2012: 40
FWCI
2.45
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Pharmacological Reviews (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuropeptides and Animal Physiology
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › melanin and skin pigmentation
Keywords
melatonin synthesis, pineal gland, norepinephrine, noradrenergic regulation, suprachiasmatic nucleus, circadian clock, neuropeptides, photoperiod, melatonin rhythm
MeSH terms
Animals, Circadian Rhythm, Humans, Melatonin, Norepinephrine, Peptides, Pineal Gland, Tryptophan, Neurotransmitter Agents

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