Abstract
In this paper we review the historical milestones that first highlighted the existence of a relationship between melatonin and the immune system and we summarize data from experiments which correlate the rhythmic production of melatonin with the rhythmic activity of the immune system. The effects of pinealectomy and in vivo administration of melatonin on a variety of immune parameters, including specific and non-specific immunity are considered and we also present contradictory data concerning the effect of melatonin in cultured immunocompetent cells and a possible scheme of how melatonin regulates the production of a number of cytokines. Finally, the mechanism of action of melatonin in the immune system is discussed. Many data suggest the existence of both nuclear and membrane receptors for melatonin in the immune system. Both of these appear to be clearly identified but their specific physiological role is still under discussion. In summary, although there is overwhelming information demonstrat ing the immunoenhancing properties of melatonin, many questions related to the cytokines involved and the mechanisms of action of the indoleamine require answers.
Keywords: Melatonin-Immune, interferon-gamma, immunostimulated macrophages, forskolin-stimulated
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
Title: Melatonin-Immune System Relationships
Volume: 2 Issue: 2
Author(s): Juan M. Guerrero and Russel J. Reiter
Affiliation:
Keywords: Melatonin-Immune, interferon-gamma, immunostimulated macrophages, forskolin-stimulated
Abstract: In this paper we review the historical milestones that first highlighted the existence of a relationship between melatonin and the immune system and we summarize data from experiments which correlate the rhythmic production of melatonin with the rhythmic activity of the immune system. The effects of pinealectomy and in vivo administration of melatonin on a variety of immune parameters, including specific and non-specific immunity are considered and we also present contradictory data concerning the effect of melatonin in cultured immunocompetent cells and a possible scheme of how melatonin regulates the production of a number of cytokines. Finally, the mechanism of action of melatonin in the immune system is discussed. Many data suggest the existence of both nuclear and membrane receptors for melatonin in the immune system. Both of these appear to be clearly identified but their specific physiological role is still under discussion. In summary, although there is overwhelming information demonstrat ing the immunoenhancing properties of melatonin, many questions related to the cytokines involved and the mechanisms of action of the indoleamine require answers.
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Cite this article as:
Guerrero M. Juan and Reiter J. Russel, Melatonin-Immune System Relationships, Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 2002; 2 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1568026023394335
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1568026023394335 |
Print ISSN 1568-0266 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4294 |
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