Physiological significance of melatonin and its precursor in mammals

为了阐明褪黑素的生理作用，我们培育了褪黑素精通、n-乙酰血清素（NAS；褪黑素的前体）精通以及两者都缺乏B6基因的小鼠。我们检查了这些小鼠的昼夜节律相关行为，没有发现显著差异。此外，在这些小鼠的寿命中没有发现显着差异。在行为分析中，我们发现了NAS+小鼠的几个显著差异，特别是；如尾悬试验中不动时间短，记忆力差。我们的免疫组织化学数据显示，NAS+小鼠的神经发生增强，这可能是解释。

To clarify the physiological role of melatonin, we developed melatonin-proficient, N-acetylserotonin (NAS; a precursor of melatonin)-proficient, and both-deficient B6 congenic mice. We examined the circadian rhythm-related behaviors in these mice and found no significant difference. Further, there is no dramatic differences in the life span was found in these mice. In behavioral analysis, we detected several significant difference in NAS+ mice, in particular; such as short immobility time in the tail suspension test and worse memory retention. It is possible to be explained by our immunohistochemical data showing enhanced neurogenesis in NAS+ mice.