Melatonin and other hormonal changes during pregnancy in humans

Pang, S.F.; Tang, Pei; Tang, G.W.K.; Yam, Ana

doi:10.1016/0022-4731(84)90609-5

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…A classic example of such circadian activity is the 24-h rhythm of spontaneous birth in humans (Myers and Nathanielsz, 1993; Nathanielsz, 1994; Olcese, 2012; Panduro-Baron et al, 1994), with maximal birth rate values during the night, at a time coinciding with maximal pineal melatonin secretion (Arendt, 1996). The fact that the light–dark cycle can regulate the daily timing of birth and uterine contractility has been shown for baboons, rhesus macaques (Ducsay and Yellon, 1991; Figueroa et al, 1990) and rats (Pang et al, 1985). Moreover, the increase of the blood flow to the placenta during the night seems to play an important role in the parturition (Harbert et al, 1979).…”

Section: Melatonin Receptors In the Reproductive And Gestational Tmentioning

confidence: 99%

Melatonin membrane receptors in peripheral tissues: Distribution and functions

Slominski

Reíter

Schlabritz‐Loutsevitch

et al. 2012

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology

585

470

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Many of melatonin’s actions are mediated through interaction with the G-protein coupled membrane bound melatonin receptors type 1 and type 2 (MT1 and MT2, respectively) or, indirectly with nuclear orphan receptors from the RORα/RZR family. Melatonin also binds to the quinone reductase II enzyme, previously defined the MT3 receptor. Melatonin receptors are widely distributed in the body; herein we summarize their expression and actions in non-neural tissues. Several controversies still exist regarding, for example, whether melatonin binds the RORα/RZR family. Studies of the peripheral distribution of melatonin receptors are important since they are attractive targets for immunomodulation, regulation of endocrine, reproductive and cardiovascular functions, modulation of skin pigmentation, hair growth, cancerogenesis, and aging. Melatonin receptor agonists and antagonists have an exciting future since they could define multiple mechanisms by which melatonin modulates the complexity of such a wide variety of physiological and pathological processes.

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Section: Melatonin Receptors In the Reproductive And Gestational Tmentioning

confidence: 99%

Melatonin membrane receptors in peripheral tissues: Distribution and functions

Slominski

Reíter

Schlabritz‐Loutsevitch

et al. 2012

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology

585

470

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“…Profound alterations in the activity of the pineal gland and melatonin secretion occur during the various phases of gestation (Pang et al, 1984;Pang et al, 1985). Pang et al (1985) analyzed plasma melatonin levels (obtained between 1000-1230 h) from gravid Chinese women (ages 18-39) during different period of normal gestation and 1-5 minutes after normal spontaneous delivery.…”

Section: Melatonin and Pregnancymentioning

confidence: 97%

The Pineal Gland and Spontaneous Abortions: Implications for Therapy with Melatonin and Magnetic Field

Sandyk

Anastasiadis

Anninos

et al. 1991

International Journal of Neuroscience

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Spontaneous abortion, the termination of pregnancy prior to 20 weeks of gestation, is estimated to occur in 40%-50% of all pregnancies and in 12%-15% of identified pregnancies. The causes of spontaneous abortion can be divided into two main categories: those arising from chromosomal anomalies and those arising from abnormalities in the intrauterine environment. In the following communication, we propose that deficient pineal melatonin functions in early pregnancy may be causally related to the development of spontaneous abortions in cases where chromosomal anomalies or structural abnormalities of the uterus have been excluded. This hypothesis is based on the findings that: (a) melatonin plasma levels normally increase by 200%-300% in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy; (b) melatonin decreases uterine contractility in the rat; (c) melatonin stimulates the secretion of progersterone, which decreases uterine contractility and prevents immunological rejection of the trophoblast; (d) melatonin inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are potent inducers of uterine contractility and labor, and (e) pinealectomy increases the number of spontaneous abortions in pregnant rats. In addition, since melatonin is a hormone with immunosuppressant properties, we propose that the increased melatonin production in early pregnancy may contribute to a state of "transplantation immunity" to the paternal histocompatibility antigens preventing immunological rejection of the trophoblast. If this hypothesis is correct, then plasma melatonin levels during early pregnancy could be used as an indicator for increased risk of spontneous abortions. Moreover, it is possible that in cases where plasma melatonin levels are diminished in early pregnancy administration of oral melatonin or the use of artificial bright light therapy may be useful in the treatment of threatened abortion as well as in the prevention of habitual abortions. Finally, since in experimental animals and humans external application of magnetic fields has been shown to synchronize the rhythms of circadian melatonin secretion by acting upon the pineal gland, low intensity magnetic therapy may be useful in the treatment and prevention of spontaneous abortions.

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Morphological and biochemical changes in the pineal gland in pregnancy

Lew¹

1987

Life Sciences

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Melatonin and other hormonal changes during pregnancy in humans

Cited by 5 publications

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Melatonin membrane receptors in peripheral tissues: Distribution and functions

Melatonin membrane receptors in peripheral tissues: Distribution and functions

The Pineal Gland and Spontaneous Abortions: Implications for Therapy with Melatonin and Magnetic Field

Morphological and biochemical changes in the pineal gland in pregnancy

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