Placental melatonin system: functions and mechanisms of action

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The human placenta acts as a central regulator of maternal and fetal physiology. Although the role of melatonin on fetal development has been the subject of a number of studies, data on its role in placental physiology are scarce. We have demonstrated that human placenta expresses melatonin receptors. We have also shown the presence and activity of the enzymes responsible for melatonin synthesis and placental melatonin production in placental trophoblast cells. These results strongly suggest an important paracrine, autocrine and/or intracrine role for melatonin and its receptors in placental function and development and, consequently, in pregnancy and fetal health. However, the role of melatonin in placental function and development is still obscure. Thus, our research program aims to elucidate the role and cellular mechanism of melatonin and its receptors in placental endocrine function as well as on trophoblast development. That is, to better understand the role of this trypthophan-derived hormone and its receptors in placental health, and by consequence in pregnancy well-being and fetal development and to develop a new human cellular model to study the regulation and function of melatonin and its receptors on normal and abnormal cellular processes and open the way for new preventive and therapeutic approaches in these areas for variety of disorders including obstetric complications, depression, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.