Activation of Melatonin Receptors by Ramelteon Induces Cardioprotection by Postconditioning in the Rat Heart.

Activation of melatonin receptors protects the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Ramelteon, a clinically used drug for insomnia, acts via activation of melatonin receptors. We investigated whether ramelteon induces acute infarct size reduction by postconditioning.