Melatonin and Seasonal Synchrony in Mammals.
J Pineal Res
; 76(5): e12996, 2024 Aug.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39129720
ABSTRACT
In mammals, seasonal opportunities and challenges are anticipated through programmed changes in physiology and behavior. Appropriate anticipatory timing depends on synchronization to the external solar year, achieved through the use of day length (photoperiod) as a synchronizing signal. In mammals, nocturnal production of melatonin by the pineal gland is the key hormonal mediator of photoperiodic change, exerting its effects via the hypothalamopituitary axis. In this review/perspective, we consider the key developments during the history of research into the seasonal synchronizer effect of melatonin, highlighting the role that the pars tuberalis-tanycyte module plays in this process. We go on to consider downstream pathways, which include discrete hypothalamic neuronal populations. Neurons that express the neuropeptides kisspeptin and (Arg)(Phe)-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) govern seasonal reproductive function while neurons that express somatostatin may be involved in seasonal metabolic adaptations. Finally, we identify several outstanding questions, which need to be addressed to provide a much thorough understanding of the deep impact of melatonin upon seasonal synchronization.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Estaciones del Año
/
Mamíferos
/
Melatonina
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Pineal Res
Asunto de la revista:
ENDOCRINOLOGIA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Noruega
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido