Melatonin Receptors: Localization and Regulation in Mammalian Brain

褪黑激素是由松果体产生和分泌的一种激素 并且在调节 哺乳动物的生殖 这种激素也影响昼夜节律 包括人类在内的许多物种的节律性。 的 昼夜节律定时系统对褪黑激素产生的调节 已经被广泛研究， 在松果体中，这是褪黑激素生物合成所必需的。 了解褪黑激素作用的主要谜团 已经确定了它的位置和作用机制。 韦弗博士开发并验证了一种定量的 用碘化褪黑激素定位的放射自显影法 它在大脑中的作用部位。 他会用这种技术 表征中枢神经系统中的褪黑激素结合位点 系统，然后将系统内结合活性的变化 具有各种生理学特性的特定神经元结构 条件 了解褪黑激素的部位和机制 作用具有广泛的影响，因为激素调节 昼夜节律，并可用于治疗 与生物节律异常相关的病症， 例如时差和抑郁症。 此外，阐明 褪黑激素调节动物生殖的机制 季节性繁殖可能揭示了 适用于家畜的繁殖规定。 褪黑激素作用部位和机制的基础研究 是实现这些目标的必要的第一步。

Melatonin is a hormone produced and secreted by the pineal gland and known to have an important role in the regulation of mammalian reproduction. This hormone also influences circadian rhythmicity in a number of species, including humans. The regulation of melatonin production by the circadian timing system has been studied extensively as have the biochemical mechanisms in the pineal which are necessary for melatonin biosynthesis. The major enigma remaining in understanding the role of melatonin has been identification of its sites and mechanism of action. Dr. Weaver has developed and validated a quantitative autoradiographic method using an iodinated melatonin to localize its sites of action in the brain. He will use this technique to characterize the melatonin binding sites in the central nervous system and then correlate changes in binding activity within specific neuronal structures with various physiological conditions. Understanding the sites and mechanism of melatonin action has wide-ranging implications, as the hormone modulates circadian rhythmicity in humans and may be useful in treating conditions associated with abnormalities of biological rhythms, such as jet lag and depression. Furthermore, elucidating the mechanism by which melatonin regulates reproduction in animals that breed seasonally may reveal general mechanisms for the regulation of reproduction applicable to domestic farm animals. Basic research into the sites and mechanisms of melatonin action is a necessary first step towards these goals.