The pulsatile secretion of the indoleamine hormone melatonin, primarily by the pineal gland, in a pattern tightly regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus in response to darkness. This release is the principal biological signal for initiating and maintaining the circadian rhythm of sleep and wakefulness, serving as a critical endocrine modulator of the sleep-wake cycle and a potent endogenous antioxidant. Optimal melatonin release is fundamental to restorative sleep and overall hormonal health.
Origin
Melatonin was first isolated and structurally identified in the late 1950s, though its role as a key regulator of circadian rhythm was established through subsequent decades of neuroendocrinology research. The term “release” refers specifically to its dynamic secretion pattern, which is highly sensitive to light exposure and age.
Mechanism
The mechanism of melatonin release begins with the detection of darkness by the retina, which sends signals via the retinohypothalamic tract to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the body’s master clock. This signal then travels to the pineal gland, stimulating the enzymatic conversion of serotonin into melatonin. Once released into the bloodstream, melatonin acts on MT1 and MT2 receptors in the brain to induce sleepiness and synchronize various physiological processes, ensuring the body enters an optimal state for nocturnal repair and hormonal rebalancing.
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