Abstract.
In mammals, the exact role of melatonin (Mel) in the circadian timing system remains to be determined. However, exogenously administered Mel, as reported in the present mini-review, has been shown to affect the circadian clock. The sites and mechanisms of action involved in this "chronobiotic" effect of Mel have begun to be characterized. The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) appear to be an important site for the entrainment effect of Mel and the presence of Mel receptors appears to be a prerequisite. However, the pharmacological dose of Mel needed to entrain circadian rhythms means that very probably other sites and mechanisms also play a role.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Electronic Publication
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pévet, P., Bothorel, B., Slotten, H. et al. The chronobiotic properties of melatonin. Cell Tissue Res 309, 183–191 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-002-0584-1
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-002-0584-1