Publications by authors named "Kassiano S Sousa"
Article Synopsis
- ATP interacts with receptors in the pineal gland, enhancing serotonin N-acetyltransferase (Snat) transcription and the synthesis of melatonin (MLT), but also triggers a defense response that can block this process.
- Circulating melatonin can inhibit the migration of immune cells, while high levels of ATP, especially from dying cells, may complicate treatment strategies for brain damage.
- N-acetylserotonin (NAS) can also function similarly to melatonin and reacts to light/dark cycles, suggesting that targeting P2X7 receptors isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for conditions like acute strokes.
The pineal gland is a key player in surveillance and defense responses. In healthy conditions, nocturnal circulating melatonin (MEL) impairs the rolling and adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelial layer. Fungi, bacteria, and pro-inflammatory cytokines block nocturnal pineal MEL synthesis, facilitating leukocyte migration to injured areas.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMelatonin is a highly conserved molecule found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes that acts as the darkness hormone, translating environmental lighting to the whole body, and as a moderator of innate and acquired defense, migration, and cell proliferation processes. This review evaluates the importance of pineal activity in monitoring PAMPs and DAMPs and in mounting an inflammatory response or innate immune response. Activation of the immune-pineal axis, which coordinates the pro-and anti-inflammatory phases of an innate immune response, is described.
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