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Intensive Care Medicine

Published in:

01-11-2007 | Original

Light and darkness fail to regulate melatonin release in critically ill humans

Authors: Boris Perras, Markus Meier, Christoph Dodt

Published in: Intensive Care Medicine | Issue 11/2007

Abstract

Objective

Pineal dysfunction has been associated with morbidity and mortality in various animal models of severe illness, and low melatonin plasma concentrations have recently been reported in patients on the ICU. However, it is not known whether the physiological response of the pineal gland to light and darkness is preserved in critical illness.

Design and patients

We examined the nocturnal release of melatonin in response to 1 h of darkness followed by 1 h of bright light (> 10,000 lux) in 20 severely ill patients on a medical ICU. Eleven elderly (median age 73 years) and 9 young patients (38 years) were recruited. Melatonin plasma concentrations were measured at 30-min intervals.

Results

In 15 patients melatonin plasma concentration was low and responded to neither darkness nor light. In three elderly and two young patients melatonin plasma concentrations were elevated irrespective of illumination.

Conclusions

The physiological regulation of melatonin secretion by darkness and light is abolished in severely ill patients.

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Title: Light and darkness fail to regulate melatonin release in critically ill humans
Authors: Boris Perras
Markus Meier
Christoph Dodt
Publication date: 01-11-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Intensive Care Medicine / Issue 11/2007
Print ISSN: 0342-4642
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-007-0769-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Light and darkness fail to regulate melatonin release in critically ill humans

Abstract

Objective

Design and patients

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Design and patients

Results

Conclusions

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