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Melatonin synthesis: analysis of the more than 150-fold nocturnal increase in serotonin N-acetyltransferase messenger ribonucleic acid in the rat pineal gland.
Nighttime increase of the enzyme-making message that helps melatonin production in the rat's pineal gland
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Abstract
Expression of the AA-NAT gene in the rat pineal gland shows a more than 150-fold daily rhythm.
- AA-NAT gene expression is turned off during the day and activated at night in the pineal gland.
- Regulation of AA-NAT expression involves a photoneural system and an adrenergic-cAMP mechanism.
- Phosphorylation of a protein called cAMP response element-binding protein is likely involved in this regulation.
- A approximately 10-fold rhythm in AA-NAT messenger RNA is observed in the retina.
- Low levels of AA-NAT messenger RNA are also found in the brain.
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