Behavioural brain research

Melatonin's daily effects on the brain's internal clock

Circadian Biology Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated

Abstract

Melatonin administration may entrain activity rhythms in both rodents and humans.

  • The biological clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) regulates melatonin production by the pineal gland.
  • Melatonin can influence circadian functions by feeding back on the SCN.
  • Melatonin binds specifically to the SCN and alters its physiology through various mechanisms.
  • The SCN shows a temporal restriction in sensitivity to melatonin, peaking during subjective dusk.

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