Abstract
In this paper we review the historical milestones that first highlighted the existence of a relationship between melatonin and the immune system and we summarize data from experiments which correlate the rhythmic production of melatonin with the rhythmic activity of the immune system. The effects of pinealectomy and in vivo administration of melatonin on a variety of immune parameters, including specific and non-specific immunity are considered and we also present contradictory data concerning the effect of melatonin in cultured immunocompetent cells and a possible scheme of how melatonin regulates the production of a number of cytokines. Finally, the mechanism of action of melatonin in the immune system is discussed. Many data suggest the existence of both nuclear and membrane receptors for melatonin in the immune system. Both of these appear to be clearly identified but their specific physiological role is still under discussion. In summary, although there is overwhelming information demonstrat ing the immunoenhancing properties of melatonin, many questions related to the cytokines involved and the mechanisms of action of the indoleamine require answers.
Keywords: Melatonin-Immune, interferon-gamma, immunostimulated macrophages, forskolin-stimulated
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
Title: Melatonin-Immune System Relationships
Volume: 2 Issue: 2
Author(s): Juan M. Guerrero and Russel J. Reiter
Affiliation:
Keywords: Melatonin-Immune, interferon-gamma, immunostimulated macrophages, forskolin-stimulated
Abstract: In this paper we review the historical milestones that first highlighted the existence of a relationship between melatonin and the immune system and we summarize data from experiments which correlate the rhythmic production of melatonin with the rhythmic activity of the immune system. The effects of pinealectomy and in vivo administration of melatonin on a variety of immune parameters, including specific and non-specific immunity are considered and we also present contradictory data concerning the effect of melatonin in cultured immunocompetent cells and a possible scheme of how melatonin regulates the production of a number of cytokines. Finally, the mechanism of action of melatonin in the immune system is discussed. Many data suggest the existence of both nuclear and membrane receptors for melatonin in the immune system. Both of these appear to be clearly identified but their specific physiological role is still under discussion. In summary, although there is overwhelming information demonstrat ing the immunoenhancing properties of melatonin, many questions related to the cytokines involved and the mechanisms of action of the indoleamine require answers.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Guerrero M. Juan and Reiter J. Russel, Melatonin-Immune System Relationships, Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 2002; 2 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1568026023394335
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1568026023394335 |
Print ISSN 1568-0266 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4294 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
AlphaFold in Medicinal Chemistry: Opportunities and Challenges
AlphaFold, a groundbreaking AI tool for protein structure prediction, is revolutionizing drug discovery. Its near-atomic accuracy unlocks new avenues for designing targeted drugs and performing efficient virtual screening. However, AlphaFold's static predictions lack the dynamic nature of proteins, crucial for understanding drug action. This is especially true for multi-domain proteins, ...read more
Artificial intelligence for Natural Products Discovery and Development
Our approach involves using computational methods to predict the potential therapeutic benefits of natural products by considering factors such as drug structure, targets, and interactions. We also employ multitarget analysis to understand the role of drug targets in disease pathways. We advocate for the use of artificial intelligence in predicting ...read more
Chemistry Based on Natural Products for Therapeutic Purposes
The development of new pharmaceuticals for a wide range of medical conditions has long relied on the identification of promising natural products (NPs). There are over sixty percent of cancer, infectious illness, and CNS disease medications that include an NP pharmacophore, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Since NP ...read more
Chronic Kidney Disease
The scope of the special thematic issue includes but not limited to the mechanism of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the treatment of renal fibrosis and early diagnosis of CKD and so on. We also welcome manuscripts from other scientific research area with respect to internal medicine. Cell death has been ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Matrix Metalloproteinases and their Tissue Inhibitors in Diabetes, Atherosclerosis and Prediction of the Cardiovascular Risk
Current Enzyme Inhibition Editorial: Computer-Assisted Approaches as Decision Support Systems in the Overall Strategy of Combating Emerging Diseases: Some Comments Regarding Drug Design, Vaccinomics, and Genomic Surveillance of the Zika Virus
Current Computer-Aided Drug Design Chemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Some Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants for Heavy Metal Toxicity
Current Medicinal Chemistry Salivary Genomics, Transcriptomics and Proteomics: The Emerging Concept of the Oral Ecosystem and their Use in the Early Diagnosis of Cancer and other Diseases
Current Genomics Surgical Complications of Hyperglycaemia
Current Diabetes Reviews Natural Products with Health Benefits from Marine Biological Resources
Current Organic Chemistry Effects of CX3CR1 and Fractalkine Chemokines in Amyloid Beta Clearance and p-Tau Accumulation in Alzheimer,s Disease (AD) Rodent Models: Is Fractalkine a Systemic Biomarker for AD?
Current Alzheimer Research Induction of Propranolol Metabolism by Ginkgo biloba Extract EGb 761 in Rats
Current Drug Metabolism Application of Nanotechnology in Acupuncture
Current Nanoscience Hematopoietic Cell Formation in Leech Wound Healing
Current Pharmaceutical Design Obesity and Cancer: Biological Links and Treatment Implications
Current Cancer Drug Targets HLA-G - From Fetal Tolerance to a Regulatory Molecule in Inflammatory Diseases
Current Immunology Reviews (Discontinued) Hypothyroidism and Nephrotic Syndrome: Why, When and How to Treat
Current Vascular Pharmacology Targeting Kinases in Cancer Therapies: Adverse Effects on Blood Platelets
Current Pharmaceutical Design Gastrointestinal System: COVID-19 and Potential Mechanisms Associated with Coagulopathy
Current Drug Targets Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) and their Involvement in Liver Disease
Current Pharmaceutical Design GABAergic Modulation in Diabetic Encephalopathy-Related Depression
Current Pharmaceutical Design Properties of the Mesenchymal Endometriotic Stem Cell in the Context of the Immune System and Analysis of its Role in Endometriosis
Recent Patents on Regenerative Medicine Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors: New Pharmacological Functions and Potential Clinical Implications
Current Pharmaceutical Design Tiny Regulators in Viral Infection: Carving SARS-CoV-2 by miRNAs
MicroRNA