Nonaka K O
Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, SP, Brasil.
Rev Bras Biol. 1996 Dec;56 Su 1 Pt 2:339-44.
Rhythmic production of melatonin by the mammalian pineal gland occurs in response to noradrenergic stimulation which produces a cascade of biochemical events within the pinealocyte. Melatonin is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including seasonal reproduction and diurnal activity rhythms. It was recently discovered that melatonin is a very potent hydroxyl radical scavenger, reinforcing its relationship with the aging process and the immune system.
哺乳动物松果体有节律地分泌褪黑素,这一过程是对去甲肾上腺素能刺激的反应,而去甲肾上腺素能刺激会在松果体细胞内引发一系列生化事件。褪黑素参与了广泛的生理过程,包括季节性繁殖和昼夜活动节律。最近发现,褪黑素是一种非常有效的羟基自由基清除剂,这加强了它与衰老过程和免疫系统的关系。