The pattern of melatonin receptor expression in the brain may influence antidepressant treatment.

The pineal hormone melatonin produces most of its biological effects via G protein-coupled receptors MT1 and MT2. In mammals, these receptors are expressed in various tissues and organs including in the brain. Recent research points to a putative role of MT1/MT2 dimerization as a mechanism that could determine the receptor-mediated biological effects of melatonin.