Blood levels of melatonin, serotonin, cortisol, and prolactin in relation to the circadian rhythm of platelet serotonin uptake.

Blood levels of melatonin, serotonin, cortisol, prolactin, and serotonin uptake by platelets were measured at 08:00, 14:00, 20:00, 02:00, and 08:00 hours in 10 healthy men who ranged in age from 27 to 35 years. The Km values of serotonin active transport by platelets were significantly correlated with melatonin blood levels. There were no other significant correlations. The secretion of steroid hormones and prolactin showed an increase at 02:00 hours; levels of prolactin decreased at 08:00 hours, but steroid levels continued to rise. This finding suggests either a direct effect of melatonin on serotonin active transport or the influence of the suprachiasmatic nucleus on serotonin uptake by platelets. It is also possible that there is a simultaneous decrease in serotonin uptake and decline from peak levels of melatonin due to the rise in steroid secretion.