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Melatonergic Receptors (Mt1/Mt2) as a Potential Additional Target of Novel Drugs for Depression. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:2909-2924. [PMID: 35689787 PMCID: PMC9187850 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03646-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A complex pathogenesis involving several physiological systems is theorized to underline the development of depressive disorders. Depression is accompanied by circadian regulation disruption and interaction with the functioning of both central and peripheral oscillators. Many aspects of melatonin function unite these systems. The use of drugs for circadian rhythm disorders could inspire a potential treatment strategy for depression. Melatonin plays an essential role in the regulation of circadian rhythms. It exerts effect by activating two types of melatonin receptors, type 1A (MT1) and 1B (MT2). These are G-protein-coupled receptors, predominantly located in the central nervous system. MT1/MT2 agonists could be a useful treatment approach according to all three prevalent theories of the pathogenesis of depression involving either monoamines, synaptic remodeling, or immune/inflammatory events. MT1/MT2 receptors can be a potential target for novel antidepressants with impact on concentrations of neurotrophins or neurotransmitters, and reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. There is an interesting cross-talk mediated via the physical association of melatonin and serotonin receptors into functional heteromers. The antidepressive and neurogenetic effects of MT1/MT2 agonists can also be caused by the inhibition of the acid sphingomyelinase, leading to reduced ceramide, or increasing monoamine oxidase A levels in the hippocampus. Compounds targeting MT1 and MT2 receptors could have potential for new anti-depressants that may improve the quality of therapeutic interventions in treating depression and relieving symptoms. In particular, a combined effect on MT1 and/or MT2 receptors and neurotransmitter systems may be useful, since the normalization of the circadian rhythm through the melatonergic system will probably contribute to improved treatment. In this review, we discuss melatonergic receptors as a potential additional target for novel drugs for depression.
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Zhang C, Clough SJ, Adamah-Biassi EB, Sveinsson MH, Hutchinson AJ, Miura I, Furuse T, Wakana S, Matsumoto YK, Okanoya K, Hudson RL, Kato T, Dubocovich ML, Kasahara T. Impact of endogenous melatonin on rhythmic behaviors, reproduction, and survival revealed in melatonin-proficient C57BL/6J congenic mice. J Pineal Res 2021; 71:e12748. [PMID: 34085306 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The hormone melatonin is synthesized from serotonin by two enzymatic reactions (AANAT and ASMT/HIOMT) in the pineal gland following a circadian rhythm with low levels during the day and high levels at night. The robust nightly peak of melatonin secretion is an output signal of the circadian clock to the whole organism. However, so far the regulatory roles of endogenous melatonin in mammalian biological rhythms and physiology processes are poorly understood. Here, we establish congenic mouse lines (>N10 generations) that are proficient or deficient in melatonin synthesis (AH+/+ or AH-/- mice, respectively) on the C57BL/6J genetic background by crossing melatonin-proficient MSM/Ms with C57BL/6J. AH+/+ mice displayed robust nightly peak of melatonin secretion and had significantly higher levels of pineal and plasma melatonin vs AH-/- mice. Using this mice model, we investigated the role of endogenous melatonin in regulating multiple biological rhythms, physiological processes, and rhythmic behaviors. In the melatonin-proficient (AH+/+) mice, the rate of re-entrainment of wheel-running activity was accelerated following a 6-hour phase advance of dark onset when comparted with AH-/- mice, suggesting a role of endogenous melatonin in facilitating clock adjustment. Further in the AH+/+ mice, there was a significant decrease in body weight, gonadal weight and reproductive performance, and a significant increase in daily torpor (a hypothermic and hypometabolic state lasting only hours during adverse conditions). Endogenous melatonin, however, had no effect in the modulation of the diurnal rhythm of 2-[125 I]-iodomelatonin receptor expression in the SCN, free-running wheel behavior in constant darkness, life span, spontaneous homecage behaviors, and various types of social-emotional behaviors. The findings also shed light on the role of endogenous melatonin in mice domestication and provide new insights into melatonin's action in reducing energy expenditure during a food shortage. In summary, the congenic mice model generated in this study offers a significant advantage toward understanding of the role of endogenous melatonin in regulating melatonin receptor-mediated rhythm behaviors and physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongyang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Shannon J Clough
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Ekue B Adamah-Biassi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Michele H Sveinsson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Anthony J Hutchinson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Ikuo Miura
- Technology and Development Team for Mouse Phenotype Analysis, BioResource Research Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tamio Furuse
- Technology and Development Team for Mouse Phenotype Analysis, BioResource Research Center, RIKEN, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shigeharu Wakana
- Department of Gerontology, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Kobe-shi, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yui K Matsumoto
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuo Okanoya
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Randall L Hudson
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Tadafumi Kato
- Laboratory for the Molecular Dynamics of Mental Disorders, Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Margarita L Dubocovich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Takaoki Kasahara
- Laboratory for the Molecular Dynamics of Mental Disorders, Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan
- Career Development Program, Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan
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Yue L, Qin X, Liu X, Wang Z, Dong Y, Chen Y, Cao J. Melatonin Receptor Mel1b- and Mel1c-mediated Green Light Induced the Secretion of Growth Hormone in Anterior Pituitary of Chicks. Photochem Photobiol 2019; 95:1387-1394. [PMID: 31111492 DOI: 10.1111/php.13127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have found that melatonin was related to the growth and development in avian. Therefore, the newly hatched broilers were exposed to colors of light to establish a model of pinealectomy and explored the mechanism of pineal melatonin promoting growth hormone (GH) secretion. The results showed that green light (GL) promoted the levels of GH, pituitary-specific transcription factor-1 (Pit-1) genes and proteins in pituitary. Moreover, the mRNA and protein levels of melatonin receptor subtypes Mel1b and Mel1c in the pituitary in GL were higher than other monochromatic light groups. After pinealectomy, the expression of Pit-1, GH, Mel1b and Mel1c in pituitary decreased. In vitro, exogenous melatonin promoted the level of Pit-1 mRNA and the secretion of GH in anterior pituitary cells. However, when melatonin was added with exogenous selective Mel1b antagonist (4-phenyl-2-propionamideotetralin) and selective Mel1c antagonist (prazosin), the level of Pit-1 mRNA and the GH secretion decreased. When selective Mel1b and Mel1c antagonists were added simultaneously, the decrease in Pit-1 mRNA and GH secretion was more significant. These results indicated that pineal melatonin promotes the expression of Pit-1 under GL by binding to melatonin receptor subtypes Mel1b and Mel1c in the pituitary, thereby increasing GH secretion and promoting the growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Yue
- Laboratory of Anatomy of Domestic Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojing Qin
- Laboratory of Anatomy of Domestic Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Xinfeng Liu
- Laboratory of Anatomy of Domestic Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Zixu Wang
- Laboratory of Anatomy of Domestic Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Yulan Dong
- Laboratory of Anatomy of Domestic Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Yaoxing Chen
- Laboratory of Anatomy of Domestic Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Laboratory of Anatomy of Domestic Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Haidian, Beijing, China
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Mel1c Mediated Monochromatic Light-Stimulated IGF-I Synthesis through the Intracellular G αq/PKC/ERK Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071682. [PMID: 30987295 PMCID: PMC6480035 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that monochromatic light affects plasma melatonin (MEL) levels, which in turn regulates hepatic insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) secretion via the Mel1c receptor. However, the intracellular signaling pathway initiated by Mel1c remains unclear. In this study, newly hatched broilers, including intact, sham operation, and pinealectomy groups, were exposed to either white (WL), red (RL), green (GL), or blue (BL) light for 14 days. Experiments in vivo showed that GL significantly promoted plasma MEL formation, which was accompanied by an increase in the MEL receptor, Mel1c, as well as phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinases (p-ERK1/2), and IGF-I expression in the liver, compared to the other light-treated groups. In contrast, this GL stimulation was attenuated by pinealectomy. Exogenous MEL elevated the hepatocellular IGF-I level, which is consistent with increases in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), Gαq, phosphorylated protein kinase C (p-PKC), and p-ERK1/2 expression. However, the Mel1c selective antagonist prazosin suppressed the MEL-induced expression of IGF-I, Gαq, p-PKC, and p-ERK1/2, while the cAMP concentration was barely affected. In addition, pretreatment with Ym254890 (a Gαq inhibitor), Go9863 (a PKC inhibitor), and PD98059 (an ERK1/2 inhibitor) markedly attenuated MEL-stimulated IGF-I expression and p-ERK1/2 activity. These results indicate that Mel1c mediates monochromatic GL-stimulated IGF-I synthesis through intracellular Gαq/PKC/ERK signaling.
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Cipolla-Neto J, Amaral FGD. Melatonin as a Hormone: New Physiological and Clinical Insights. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:990-1028. [PMID: 30215696 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 305] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule present in almost every live being from bacteria to humans. In vertebrates, besides being produced in peripheral tissues and acting as an autocrine and paracrine signal, melatonin is centrally synthetized by a neuroendocrine organ, the pineal gland. Independently of the considered species, pineal hormone melatonin is always produced during the night and its production and secretory episode duration are directly dependent on the length of the night. As its production is tightly linked to the light/dark cycle, melatonin main hormonal systemic integrative action is to coordinate behavioral and physiological adaptations to the environmental geophysical day and season. The circadian signal is dependent on its daily production regularity, on the contrast between day and night concentrations, and on specially developed ways of action. During its daily secretory episode, melatonin coordinates the night adaptive physiology through immediate effects and primes the day adaptive responses through prospective effects that will only appear at daytime, when melatonin is absent. Similarly, the annual history of the daily melatonin secretory episode duration primes the central nervous/endocrine system to the seasons to come. Remarkably, maternal melatonin programs the fetuses' behavior and physiology to cope with the environmental light/dark cycle and season after birth. These unique ways of action turn melatonin into a biological time-domain-acting molecule. The present review focuses on the above considerations, proposes a putative classification of clinical melatonin dysfunctions, and discusses general guidelines to the therapeutic use of melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Cipolla-Neto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Singh SS, Laskar P, Acharjee S. Age- and sex-dependent effect of exogenous melatonin on expression pattern of melatonin receptor (MT1 and MT2) proteins in spleen of mice. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2015.1020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Green EA, Black BK, Biaggioni I, Paranjape SY, Bagai K, Shibao C, Okoye MC, Dupont WD, Robertson D, Raj SR. Melatonin reduces tachycardia in postural tachycardia syndrome: a randomized, crossover trial. Cardiovasc Ther 2014; 32:105-12. [PMID: 24495468 DOI: 10.1111/1755-5922.12067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) induces disabling chronic orthostatic intolerance with an excessive increase in heart rate (HR) upon standing, and many POTS patients have a hyperadrenergic state. Medications that restrain HR are a promising approach to this problem. OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that melatonin will attenuate the tachycardia and improve symptom burden in patients with POTS. METHODS Patients with POTS (n = 78) underwent acute drug trials with melatonin 3 mg orally and placebo, on separate mornings, in a randomized crossover design. Blood pressure, HR, and symptoms were assessed while seated and after standing for up to 10 min prior to, and hourly for 4 h following study drug administration. RESULTS The reduction in standing HR was significantly greater 2 h after melatonin compared with placebo (P = 0.017). There was no significant difference in the reduction of systolic blood pressure between melatonin and placebo, either with standing or while seated. The symptom burden was not improved with melatonin compared with placebo. CONCLUSION Oral melatonin produced a modest decrease in standing tachycardia in POTS. Further research is needed to determine the effects of regular night-time use of this medication in POTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Green
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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Nycthemeral variation in melatonin receptor expression in the lymphoid organs of a tropical seasonal breeder Funambulus pennanti. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2014; 200:1045-55. [DOI: 10.1007/s00359-014-0959-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2013] [Revised: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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De Berardis D, Marini S, Fornaro M, Srinivasan V, Iasevoli F, Tomasetti C, Valchera A, Perna G, Quera-Salva MA, Martinotti G, di Giannantonio M. The melatonergic system in mood and anxiety disorders and the role of agomelatine: implications for clinical practice. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:12458-83. [PMID: 23765220 PMCID: PMC3709794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140612458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin exerts its actions through membrane MT1/MT2 melatonin receptors, which belong to the super family of G-protein-coupled receptors consisting of the typical seven transmembrane domains. MT1 and MT2 receptors are expressed in various tissues of the body either as single ones or together. A growing literature suggests that the melatonergic system may be involved in the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders. In fact, some core symptoms of depression show disturbance of the circadian rhythm in their clinical expression, such as diurnal mood and other symptomatic variation, or are closely linked to circadian system functioning, such as sleep-wake cycle alterations. In addition, alterations have been described in the circadian rhythms of several biological markers in depressed patients. Therefore, there is interest in developing antidepressants that have a chronobiotic effect (i.e., treatment of circadian rhythm disorders). As melatonin produces chronobiotic effects, efforts have been aimed at developing agomelatine, an antidepressant with melatonin agonist activity. The present paper reviews the role of the melatonergic system in the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders and the clinical characteristics of agomelatine. Implications of agomelatine in "real world" clinical practice will be also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico De Berardis
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Hospital “G. Mazzini”, ASL 4 Teramo, Italy; E-Mail:
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, Chair of Psychiatry, University “G. D’Annunzio”, Chieti 66013, Italy; E-Mails: (G.M.); (M. G.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +39-0861429708; Fax: +39-0861429706
| | - Stefano Marini
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Hospital “G. Mazzini”, ASL 4 Teramo, Italy; E-Mail:
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, Chair of Psychiatry, University “G. D’Annunzio”, Chieti 66013, Italy; E-Mails: (G.M.); (M. G.)
| | - Michele Fornaro
- Department of “Scienze della Formazione”, University of Catania, Catania 95121, Italy; E-Mail:
| | - Venkataramanujam Srinivasan
- Sri Sathya Sai Medical Educational and Research Foundation, Medical Sciences Research Study Center, Prasanthi Nilayam, 40-Kovai Thirunagar Coimbatore, Tamilnadu 641014, India; E-Mail:
| | - Felice Iasevoli
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Psychopharmacotherapeutics, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, University School of Medicine “Federico II”, Naples 80131, Italy; E-Mails: (F.I.); (C.T.)
| | - Carmine Tomasetti
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Psychopharmacotherapeutics, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, University School of Medicine “Federico II”, Naples 80131, Italy; E-Mails: (F.I.); (C.T.)
| | - Alessandro Valchera
- Hermanas Hospitalarias, FoRiPsi, Villa S. Giuseppe Hospital, Ascoli Piceno 63100, Italy; E-Mail:
| | - Giampaolo Perna
- Hermanas Hospitalarias, FoRiPsi, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Villa San Benedetto Menni, Albese con Cassano, Como 22032, Italy; E-Mail:
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Leonard Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 33124 Miami, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, University of Maastricht, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria-Antonia Quera-Salva
- AP-HP Sleep Unit, Department of Physiology, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garches 92380, France; E-Mail:
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, Chair of Psychiatry, University “G. D’Annunzio”, Chieti 66013, Italy; E-Mails: (G.M.); (M. G.)
| | - Massimo di Giannantonio
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, Chair of Psychiatry, University “G. D’Annunzio”, Chieti 66013, Italy; E-Mails: (G.M.); (M. G.)
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Huang H, Wang Z, Weng SJ, Sun XH, Yang XL. Neuromodulatory role of melatonin in retinal information processing. Prog Retin Eye Res 2013; 32:64-87. [PMID: 22986412 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Revised: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hai Huang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
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Yadav SK, Haldar C, Singh SS. Variation in melatonin receptors (Mel(1a) and Mel(1b)) and androgen receptor (AR) expression in the spleen of a seasonally breeding bird, Perdicula asiatica. J Reprod Immunol 2011; 92:54-61. [PMID: 21963392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2011.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2011] [Revised: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Daily variation in the peripheral level of melatonin plays a major role in integrating reproduction and environmental information for seasonally breeding birds. However, the variation in immunity and reproduction has never been assessed in any avian species on a 24 h time scale. Therefore, to understand the relationship between immune function and reproductive phases in a seasonally breeding bird, Perdicula asiatica, the Indian jungle bush quail, we studied the daily variation of melatonin and testosterone levels along with expression of their receptors Mel(1a), Mel(1b), and androgen receptor in the spleen during the reproductively active phase. Immunocytochemistry for the melatonin receptors Mel(1a) and Mel(1b) presented a differential distribution pattern. Western blot of splenic protein suggested a daily rhythm of melatonin receptors, while acrophases for the two melatonin receptors Mel(1a) and Mel(1b) differed by 4 h, suggesting that the expression of the receptors may peak at different times, causing more of either Mel(1a) or Mel(1b) to be available at a particular time to mediate function. The circulatory melatonin level correlated with percentage stimulation ratio of splenocytes and plasma interleukin-2 level, but did not correlate with testosterone or androgen receptor, suggesting that melatonin could be a major hormone imparting a time-of-day effect on the modulation of immune function in a seasonally breeding bird during the reproductively active phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Yadav
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
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Qiu Y, Wu L, Wang B, Yu Y, Zhu Z. Asymmetric expression of melatonin receptor mRNA in bilateral paravertebral muscles in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2007; 32:667-72. [PMID: 17413472 DOI: 10.1097/01.brs.0000257536.34431.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Comparison of melatonin receptor mRNA expression in bilateral paravertebral muscles in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). OBJECTIVES.: To investigate the change of melatonin receptor mRNA expression in bilateral paravertebral muscles in AIS, congenital scoliosis (CS), and control in order to analyze its association to the pathogenesis of AIS. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Muscle imbalance and asymmetry of stretch receptors in the paravertebral muscles of patients with AIS were supposed to have a large role to play in the development and production of the deformity. Melatonin is a focus of studies of the mechanism underlying the development of scoliosis, and there is no research on the expression of melatonin receptors in the paravertebral muscles of patients with AIS. METHODS Twenty cases with average age of 15.1 +/- 2.2 years and average Cobb angle of 56.2 degrees +/- 16.1 degrees, including 10 cases with Cobb angle >50 degrees and 10 cases with Cobb angle < or =50 degrees, were included in AIS group. The apical vertebrae were from T6 to T11. Twelve cases with an average age of 11.6 +/- 3.2 years and average Cobb angle of 59.2 degrees +/- 33.3 degrees were included in CS group. The apical vertebrae were from T7 to T12. Ten cases without scoliosis were in the control group. The mRNA expression of melatonin receptor subtype MT1 and MT2 was detected by the RT-PCR method. RESULTS The MT2 mRNA expression on the concave side of the paravertebral muscle was higher than that on the convex side in AIS and CS groups (P < 0.05), but the MT1 mRNA expression showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). In the AIS group, the ratio of MT2 mRNA expression on the concave side compared with the convex side in cases with Cobb angle >50 degrees and cases with Cobb angle < or =50 degrees showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). The MT1 and MT2 mRNA expression showed no significant difference in control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION The melatonin receptor expression in bilateral paravertebral muscles in AIS is asymmetric, which may be a secondary change. The bilateral asymmetry in force exerted on the scoliotic spine may be the cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Qiu
- Spine Surgery, Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
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Wagner GC, Johnston JD, Tournier BB, Ebling FJP, Hazlerigg DG. Melatonin induces gene-specific effects on rhythmic mRNA expression in the pars tuberalis of the Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus). Eur J Neurosci 2007; 25:485-90. [PMID: 17284190 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2006.05291.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, circadian and photoperiodic information is encoded in the pineal melatonin signal. The pars tuberalis (PT) of the pituitary is a melatonin target tissue, which transduces photoperiodic changes and drives seasonal changes in prolactin secretion from distal lactotroph cells. Measurement of photoperiodic time in the PT is believed to occur through melatonin dependent changes in clock gene expression, although it is unclear whether the PT should be considered a melatonin sensitive peripheral oscillator. We tested this hypothesis in the Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) firstly by investigating the effects of melatonin injection, and secondly by determining whether temporal variation in gene expression within the PT persists in the absence of a rhythmic melatonin signal. Hamsters preconditioned to long days were treated with melatonin during the late light phase, to advance the timing of the nocturnal melatonin peak, or placed in constant light for one 24 h cycle, thereby suppressing endogenous melatonin secretion. Gene expression in the PT was measured by in situ hybridization. We show that melatonin rapidly induces cry1 mRNA expression without the need for a prolonged melatonin-free interval, acutely inhibits mt1 expression, advances the timing of peak rev-erb alpha expression and modulates per1 expression. With the exception of cry1, these genes continue to show temporal changes in expression over a first cycle in the absence of a melatonin signal. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that the hamster PT contains a damped endogenous circadian oscillator, which requires a rhythmic melatonin signal for long-term synchronization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela C Wagner
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, UK
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Park YJ, Park JG, Kim SJ, Lee YD, Saydur Rahman M, Takemura A. Melatonin receptor of a reef fish with lunar-related rhythmicity: cloning and daily variations. J Pineal Res 2006; 41:166-74. [PMID: 16879323 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2006.00350.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin receptors are expressed in neural and peripheral tissues and mediate melatonin actions on the regulation of circadian rhythms in various species. For overall understanding of 'circa' rhythms in the golden rabbitfish, Siganus guttatus, which exhibits restricted lunar-related rhythms and spawns synchronously around the first quarter moon, the aim of the present study was to clone a melatonin receptor (Mel(lb)) cDNA and examine daily variations of Mel(lb) mRNA expression in certain tissues of the rabbitfish. The full-length Mel(lb) cDNA (1808 bp) contained an open reading frame to encode a protein with a length of 354 amino acids, which was highly homologous to a protein of nonmammalian species. Northern blot analysis showed transcripts of Mel(lb) in the brain and retina. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis also revealed expression of Mel(lb) in all tissues tested. Significantly high expression of the gene during daytime was evident in the liver and kidney. When the expression of Mel(lb) was examined in the brain and retina under conditions of light/dark cycles or constant darkness, daily and circadian variations of gene expression with two increases during daytime and nighttime for the brain and a single increase during nighttime for the retina were recognized. Moreover, daily variations in the expression of Mel(lb) were observed in the cultured pineal gland. These results suggest that the melatonin receptor plays a role in integration of melatonin actions in various tissues and that daily variations of Mel(lb) in the neural tissues may be related to regulation of circadian clock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Ju Park
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
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15
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Wang T, Li SR, Dai X, Peng YL, Chen Q, Wang R. Effects of melatonin on orphanin FQ/nociceptin-induced hyperalgesia in mice. Brain Res 2006; 1085:43-8. [PMID: 16566906 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2005] [Revised: 01/31/2006] [Accepted: 02/02/2006] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The pain modulatory properties of melatonin (MT) are generally recognized but the detail of the interaction between melatonin and opioid system in pain regulation is not fully understood. The present study was undertaken to investigate the modulatory effect of melatonin (MT) on the hyperalgesic effect of Orphanin FQ/Nociceptin (OFQ/NC, NC), a member of opioid peptide family. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of NC (10 microg/mouse) induced significant hyperalgesic effect in tail-flick test in mice; i.c.v. (5, 10, 50 microg/mouse) or intraperitoneal (i.p.) (5, 10, 50 mg/kg) co-injection of melatonin dose-dependently reversed NC-induced hyperalgesia and showed a profound analgesic effect. The antihyperalgesia effect of MT could be significantly antagonized by i.c.v. co-injection of luzindole (10 microg/mouse) (an antagonist of MT receptor) or naloxone (10 microg/mouse) (antagonist of traditional opioid receptor). Taken together, all the results suggested that MT could produce a luzindole and naloxone sensitive reversing effect on NC-induced hyperalgesia at supraspinal and peripheral level in mice. The augmentation effect of MT on the traditional opioid system may be one of the mechanisms of this antihyperalgesia action induced by MT. The present work will help to elucidate the mechanism of the pain modulation effect of MT, and also will help to represent new interesting modulating therapeutic targets for the relief of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, 222 Tian Shui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
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16
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Fetsch CR, Heideman PD, Griffin JD. Effects of melatonin on thermally classified anterior hypothalamic neurons in the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus). J Therm Biol 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2005.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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17
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Gerdin MJ, Masana MI, Dubocovich ML. Melatonin-mediated regulation of human MT1 melatonin receptors expressed in mammalian cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2004; 67:2023-30. [PMID: 15135299 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2004.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2003] [Accepted: 01/23/2004] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the pineal hormone melatonin activates G protein-coupled MT(1) and MT(2) melatonin receptors. Acute exposure of recombinant MT(1) and MT(2) melatonin receptors to supraphysiological concentrations of melatonin differentially regulates these two receptors with the MT(2), but not the MT(1), exhibiting rapid desensitization and internalization. In the present study, we sought to determine whether prolonged exposure to supraphysiological and physiological concentrations of melatonin desensitized and/or internalized the MT(1) melatonin receptor. Using a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line stably expressing MT(1)-FLAG or transiently expressing MT(1)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) melatonin receptors, we found that prolonged exposure (8h) to supraphysiological concentrations of melatonin (100 nM) significantly increased the number of MT(1) melatonin receptors and decreased the affinity (K(i)) of melatonin for competition for 2-[125]iodomelatonin. A similar treatment also desensitized the MT(1) melatonin receptor-mediated stimulation of [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding, but did not internalize the receptor. In contrast, prolonged exposure to a concentration of melatonin mimicking nocturnal levels (400 pM) did not affect the number of MT(1) melatonin receptors, the affinity for melatonin, or the functional sensitivity of the receptor. We conclude that in vivo endogenous melatonin does not significantly affect the functional sensitivity of MT(1) melatonin receptors, however, exogenous melatonin taken therapeutically at doses above physiological levels could desensitize the receptor thereby affecting physiological responses mediated following activation of MT(1) melatonin receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Gerdin
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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18
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Akagi T, Ushinohama K, Ikesue S, Yukawa E, Higuchi S, Hamase K, Zaitsu K, Ohdo S. Chronopharmacology of melatonin in mice to maximize the antitumor effect and minimize the rhythm disturbance effect. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2003; 308:378-84. [PMID: 14563786 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.103.055657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The influence of dosing time on the antitumor effect and the rhythm disturbance effect of melatonin (MLT) was investigated in ICR male mice under a light/dark (12:12) cycle. In tumor-bearing mice, the antitumor effect of MLT (1 mg/kg intraperitoneal) was most effective in the dark phase; and the rhythm disturbance effect of MLT on the locomotor activity was more serious in the light phase than in the dark phase. The antitumor effect and the rhythm disturbance effect of MLT increased when the specific binding of MLT receptor in target tissues, tumor or suprachiasmatic nucleus, increased and they decreased when the level decreased. Furthermore, because luzindole, an MT1 and MT2 blocker, caused the antitumor effect or rhythm disturbance effect of MLT to decrease, it is suggested that the time-dependent change of the pharmacological effects of MLT were influenced by that of MLT receptor(s) function. On the other hand, there was no significant dosing time-dependent change of MLT concentration in tumor or brain after injection. Thus, the pharmacokinetic factor does not seem to contribute to the dosing time-dependent effect of MLT. These results suggest that by choosing the most suitable dosing time for MLT, the efficacy of the drug can be increased, and the toxicity of the drug can be decreased in certain experimental and clinical situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Akagi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Division of Pharmaceutical Science, Graduate School, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Witt-Enderby PA, Bennett J, Jarzynka MJ, Firestine S, Melan MA. Melatonin receptors and their regulation: biochemical and structural mechanisms. Life Sci 2003; 72:2183-98. [PMID: 12628439 DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(03)00098-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence demonstrating the complexity of melatonin's role in modulating a diverse number of physiological processes. This complexity could be attributed to the fact that melatonin receptors belong to two distinct classes of proteins, that is, the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily (MT(1), MT(2)) and the quinone reductase enzyme family (MT(3)) which makes them unique at the molecular level. Also, within the G-protein coupled receptor family of proteins, the MT(1) and MT(2) receptors can couple to multiple and distinct signal transduction cascades whose activation can lead to unique cellular responses. Also, throughout the 24-hour cycle, the receptors' sensitivity to specific cues fluctuates and this sensitivity can be modulated in a homologous fashion, that is, by melatonin itself, and in a heterologous manner, that is, by other cues including the photoperiod or estrogen. This sensitivity of response may reflect changes in melatonin receptor density that also occurs throughout the 24-hour light/dark cycle but out of phase with circulating melatonin levels. The mechanisms that underlie the changes in melatonin receptor density and function are still not well-understood, but data is beginning to show that transcriptional events and G-protein uncoupling may be involved. Even though this area of research is still in its infancy, great strides are being made everyday in elucidating the mechanisms that underlie melatonin receptor function and regulation. The focus of this review is to highlight some of these discoveries in an attempt to reveal the uniqueness of the melatonin receptor family while at the same time provide thought-provoking ideas to further advance this area of research. Thus, a brief overview of each of the mammalian melatonin receptor subtypes and the signal transduction cascades to which they couple will be discussed with a greater emphasis placed on the mechanisms underlying their regulation and the domains within the receptors essential for proper signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A Witt-Enderby
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, 421 Mellon Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA.
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Teh MT, Sugden D. Desensitization of pigment granule aggregation in Xenopus leavis melanophores: melatonin degradation rather than receptor down-regulation is responsible. J Neurochem 2002; 81:719-27. [PMID: 12065631 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2002.00885.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Xenopus laevis melanophores express a high density (B(max) 1224 fmol/mg protein) of high-affinity (K(d) 37 pm) cell membrane melatonin receptors. Treatment of melanophores with melatonin resulted in a loss of membrane melatonin receptors reaching a maximum (approximately 60%) by 6 h. In addition to receptor loss, a decline in the potency of melatonin to produce pigment aggregation was observed on prolonged treatment. However, the loss of potency (3.8-fold in 24 h and 162-fold in 96 h) was much slower than loss of receptors, and was completely prevented by inclusion of eserine (100 microm), an inhibitor of melatonin deacetylation in the culture medium. Incubation of melanophores with [(3)H]-melatonin showed that eserine prevented metabolism of melatonin to 5-methoxytryptamine. These results indicate that although receptor density does decline on prolonged treatment, this is not responsible for the diminishing melatonin potency, which is entirely due to degradation of melatonin by deacetylation and subsequent deamination in melanophores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muy-Teck Teh
- Endocrinology & Reproduction Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, New Hunts House, Kings College London, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK
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