AI Article Synopsis
- The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the anterior hypothalamus is the main regulator of the circadian rhythm in humans, controlling sleep-wake cycles and various physiological functions through melatonin secretion by the pineal gland.
- Light exposure inhibits melatonin production via neural pathways, while darkness stimulates its release, highlighting the SCN’s role in synchronizing biological processes with day/night cycles.
- Melatonin has neuroprotective properties, aiding in circadian rhythm regulation and offering protective effects against neurodegenerative and autoimmune disorders by reducing inflammation and supporting immune function.
Article Abstract
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the anterior hypothalamus is the major circadian pacemaker in humans. Melatonin is a key hormone secreted by the pineal gland in response to darkness. Light-induced stimuli are transmitted along the retinohypothalamic tract to the SCN. Activation of the SCN inhibits the production of melatonin by the pineal gland through a complex neural pathway passing through the superior cervical ganglion. Accordingly, when light is unavailable, the pineal gland secretes melatonin. The circadian rhythm modulates sleep-wake cycles as well as many physiological functions of the endocrine system, including core body temperature, pulse rate, oxygen consumption, hormone levels, metabolism, and gastrointestinal function. In neurodegenerative disorders, the sleep-wake cycle is disrupted and circadian regulation is altered, which accelerates disease progression, further disrupting circadian regulation and setting up a vicious cycle. Melatonin plays a critical role in the regulation of circadian rhythms and is a multifunctional pleiotropic agent with broad neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative disorders, viral or autoimmune diseases, and cancer. In this review, I discuss the neuroprotective functions of melatonin in circadian regulation and its roles in promoting anti-inflammatory activity, enhancing immune system functions, and preventing alterations in glucose metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders and autoimmune central nervous system diseases.
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| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10295826 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.47936/encephalitis.2022.00094 | DOI Listing |
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