Regulation and Function of Melatonin Receptors

褪黑激素受体的调节和功能

• 批准号: RGPIN-2016-05697
• 负责人: Niles, Lennard
• 金额: $ 2.26万
• 依托单位: McMaster University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2017
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2017-01-01 至 2018-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=630591
• 关键词: Regulation; Function; Melatonin; Receptors

The pineal gland in mammals including humans, produces a chemical messenger or hormone called melatonin, which exhibits very low daytime levels, with peak levels present in the circulation at night. This hormone plays an important role in the regulation of circadian rhythms by interacting with the biological clock in the brain. It is involved in modulating numerous other physiological activities including neuroendocrine function, immune responses and reproduction. Moreover, melatonin is a cytoprotective hormone that protects cells against the injurious effects of free radicals and environmental neurotoxins. In order to produce its diverse effects, melatonin travels in the bloodstream to reach the brain or other organs, where it binds to specific sites or receptors, which are located on its target cells. Melatonin binding conveys a signal which results in a cascade of cellular responses, with consequent changes in the function of its target cells and organs. Importantly, older individuals exhibit a significant decrease in their blood levels of this protective hormone, which is thought to be related to the progressive age-related onset of physiological dysfunction.

包括人类在内的哺乳动物的松果体产生一种称为褪黑激素的化学信使或激素，其白天水平非常低，在夜间循环中达到峰值水平。这种激素通过与大脑中的生物钟相互作用，在昼夜节律的调节中起着重要作用。它参与调节许多其他生理活动，包括神经内分泌功能，免疫反应和生殖。此外，褪黑激素是一种细胞保护激素，保护细胞免受自由基和环境神经毒素的伤害。为了产生其不同的效果，褪黑激素在血液中行进到达大脑或其他器官，在那里它结合到位于其靶细胞上的特定位点或受体。褪黑激素结合传递导致级联细胞反应的信号，从而改变其靶细胞和器官的功能。重要的是，老年人的血液中这种保护性激素水平显着下降，这被认为与生理功能障碍的渐进性年龄相关发作有关。