Melatonin

Introduction The pineal body, also known as the pineal gland, is a small structure extending from the posterior border of the brain within the third ventricle and along the midline (1,2). It is not actually part of the brain, but a member of the endocrine system (1). This pea-sized, pine coned shape structure was first given attention to in 1963 when it was discovered that its chief secretion, melatonin, was involved with various organ and tissue regulation (3). Before …

…Britannica, Inc. 2001 3. Elias, Marilyn. 1993. The Mysteries of Melatonin. Harvard Health Letter. 18: 6-8 4. Middleton, Benita. 1997. Complex Effects of Melatonin on Human Circadian Rhythms in Constant Dim Light. Journal of Biological Rhythms. 12: 476-478 5. Menaker, Michael. 1997. Commentary: What Does Melatonin Do and How Does it Do It?. Journal of Biological Rhythms. 12: 532-535 6. “Melatonin.” Encyclopaedia Britanica. CD-ROM. Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. 2001. 7. Cagnacci, Angelo. 1997. Homeostatic Versus Circadian Effects of Melatonin on Core Body Temperature in Humans. Journal of Biological Rhythms. 12: 509-518.