Anxiolytic-like action of melatonin on acquisition but not performance of DRL

Enduring effects of photoperiod on affective behaviors in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus).

“…Photoperiodic information is transferred from dam to pup via melatonin in utero, and by the time of weaning pups are capable of translating photoperiodic information into melatonin signals independently (Horton, 1985). Melatonin appears to be anxiolytic and antidepressive in rodents (Brotto, Gorzalka, & LaMarre, 2001; Golombek, Pevet, & Cardinali, 1996; Halbreich, 1997; Neville & McNaughton, 1986). Sex differences in the antidepressant responses to melatonin have been reported in rats (Brotto et al, 2001).…”

Effects of prolonged‐release melatonin, zolpidem, and their combination on psychomotor functions, memory recall, and driving skills in healthy middle aged and elderly volunteers

“…Several studies reported alterations of alertness and performances by acute melatonin when administered during daytime (Atkinson et al, 2005;Cajochen et al, 1996;Dollins et al, 1993;Graw et al, 2001;Lieberman et al, 1984;Neville and McNaughton, 1986;Rogers et al, 1998) but not when administered during late afternoon or at bedtime in young and middle-aged (20-57 years) healthy volunteers (Paul et al, 2003;Stone et al, 2000;Suhner et al, 1998;Wynn and Arendt, 1988). Furthermore, melatonin administered nightly for 4 weeks improved certain aspects of cognition in healthy elderly subjects (Peck et al, 2004).…”

Neuropathology and behavior after short-term and long-term pinealectomy in the rat

“…A number of studies have also found anxiolytic effects of melatonin (Golombek et al, 1996;Kato et al, 1998;Neville et al, 1986). For instance, melatonin has been found to protect against stress-induced gastric lesions in rats (Kato et al, 1998) as well as the effects of chronic stress (Brotto et al, 2001;Kopp et al, 1999).…”