|
|
Article: Melatonin and its relation to the immune system and inflammation.
- Article from:
- Alternative Medicine Review
- Article date:
- June 1, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 Thorne Research Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Melatonin and its relation to the immune system and inflammation. Reiter RJ, Calvo JR, Karbownik M, et al. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2000;917:376-386.
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) was initially thought to be produced exclusively in the pineal gland. Subsequently its synthesis was demonstrated in other organs, for example, the retinas, and very high concentrations of melatonin are found at other sites, for example, bone marrow cells and bile. The origin of the high level of melatonin in these locations has not been definitively established, but it is likely not exclusively of pineal origin. Melatonin has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory effects, among a ...