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.
Export Options
About this article
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 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Medicinal Chemistry: From Cancer to Chronic Diseases.
The broad spectrum of the issue will provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends, novel therapeutic interventions, and translational insights that impact modern medicine. The primary focus will be diseases of global concern, including cancer, chronic pain, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune conditions, providing a broad overview of the advancements in ...read more
Approaches to the Treatment of Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of numerous diseases, significantly impacting global health. Although chronic inflammation is a hot topic, not much has been written about approaches to its treatment. This thematic issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in chronic inflammation treatment and foster discussion on future directions in this ...read more
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Non-Infectious Inflammatory Diseases: Focus on Clinical Implications
The Special Issue covers the results of the studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms of non-infectious inflammatory diseases, in particular, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other age-related disorders such as type II diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Review and research articles as well as methodology papers that summarize ...read more
Chalcogen-modified nucleic acid analogues
Chalcogen-modified nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides have been of great interest to scientific research for many years. The replacement of oxygen in the nucleobase, sugar or phosphate backbone by chalcogen atoms (sulfur, selenium, tellurium) gives these biomolecules unique properties resulting from their altered physical and chemical properties. The continuing interest in ...read more

- Author Guidelines
- Bentham Author Support Services (BASS)
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Combining “Omics” Strategies to Analyze the Biotechnological Potential of Complex Microbial Environments
Current Protein & Peptide Science Combinatory Approaches Targeting Cognitive Impairments and Memory Enhancement: A Review
Current Drug Targets The Role of Statins in Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Disease
Current Drug Targets - Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders Efficacy and Complications of Subcutaneous <i>versus</i> Conventional Cardioverter Defibrillators: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Current Cardiology Reviews Bisphosphonates and Breast Cancer Prevention
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Islet-Brain (IB)/JNK-Interacting Proteins (JIPs): Future Targets for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases?
Current Neurovascular Research Nutraceuticals - An Emerging Era in the Treatment and Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Chronic Kidney Disease and the Search for New Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis
Current Medicinal Chemistry Investigating Drug-induced Mitochondrial Toxicity: A Biosensor to Increase Drug Safety?
Current Drug Safety Puerarin Stimulates Osteogenic Differentiation and Bone Formation Through the ERK1/2 and p38-MAPK Signaling Pathways
Current Molecular Medicine Glycation and Antioxidants: Hand in the Glove of Antiglycation and Natural Antioxidants
Current Protein & Peptide Science BACE1 Dependent Neuregulin Processing: Review
Current Alzheimer Research Interactions between Phytochemicals from Traditional Chinese Medicines and Human Cytochrome P450 Enzymes
Current Drug Metabolism Evidence that Ingested Aluminum Additives Contained in Processed Foods and Alum-Treated Drinking Water are a Major Risk Factor for Alzheimers Disease
Current Inorganic Chemistry (Discontinued) Antidotal Effects of Curcumin Against Agents-Induced Cardiovascular Toxicity
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets Mechanisms of Thrombosis, Available Treatments and Management Challenges Presented by Thromboangiitis Obliterans
Current Medicinal Chemistry Use and Safety of Calcium Channel Blockers in Obstetrics
Current Medicinal Chemistry Development of Immunopharmacotherapy Against Drugs of Abuse
Current Drug Discovery Technologies Anticoagulation in Patients with Heart Failure
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry The Noncoding Side of Cardiac Differentiation and Regeneration
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy