Abstract
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxy-tryptamine), a principal product of the pineal gland, is produced mainly during the dark phase of the circadian cycle. This hormone plays a crucial role in the regulation of circadian and seasonal changes in various aspects of physiology and neuroendocrine functions. In mammals, melatonin can influence sexual maturation and reproductive functions via activation of its receptors and binding sites in the hypothalamic-pituitarygonadal (HPG) axis. This review summarizes current knowledge of melatonin on the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads. We also review recent progress in clinical applications of melatonin or potentials of using melatonin, as a reducer of oxidative stress, to improve reproductive functions for the diseases such as women infertility.
Keywords: Melatonin, N-acetyl-5-methoxy-tryptamine, pineal gland, circadian cycle, hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG)
Current Medicinal Chemistry
Title:Melatonin and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis
Volume: 20 Issue: 15
Author(s): L. Shi, N. Li, L. Bo and Z. Xu
Affiliation:
Keywords: Melatonin, N-acetyl-5-methoxy-tryptamine, pineal gland, circadian cycle, hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG)
Abstract: Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxy-tryptamine), a principal product of the pineal gland, is produced mainly during the dark phase of the circadian cycle. This hormone plays a crucial role in the regulation of circadian and seasonal changes in various aspects of physiology and neuroendocrine functions. In mammals, melatonin can influence sexual maturation and reproductive functions via activation of its receptors and binding sites in the hypothalamic-pituitarygonadal (HPG) axis. This review summarizes current knowledge of melatonin on the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads. We also review recent progress in clinical applications of melatonin or potentials of using melatonin, as a reducer of oxidative stress, to improve reproductive functions for the diseases such as women infertility.
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Cite this article as:
Shi L., Li N., Bo L. and Xu Z., Melatonin and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2013; 20 (15) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/09298673113209990114
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/09298673113209990114 |
Print ISSN 0929-8673 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-533X |
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