Melatonin
The pineal body, also known as the pineal gland, is a small structure extending from the posterior border of the brain within the third ventricle and along the midline (1,2). It is not actually part of the brain, but a member of the endocrine system (1). This pea-sized, pine coned shape structure was first given attention to in 1963 when it was discovered that its chief secretion, melatonin, was involved with various organ and tissue regulation (3). Before then, the structure was only believed to be the remains of a primitive sensory system (3). Much is still unknown about this member of the endocrine system. Melatonin is the major secretory product of the pineal body although many peptide and amine secretions have been recognized coming from this structure (1). Melatonin's primary role is in the regulation of circadian rhythms, including sleep/wake cycles and core body temperature, and is sometimes called the "master hormone" because of this (3). However, it is uncertain whether it can fully regulate all human circadian rhythms (4). The chemical structure of melatonin is small and similar to that of serotonin (3). It is distributed to various organs and tissues through the circulatory system as a hormo
Melatonin may also be a possible treatment for certain cancers. Women with estrogen-receptor-positive tumors are shown to have lower than normal melatonin levels (3). A recent study at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans found that estrogen-receptor-positive cells grew one-fourth to one-half as fast when treated with melatonin; however, melatonin had no effect on cancers that do not contain estrogen-receptor-positive cells (3). It is believed to somehow decrease the number of estrogen receptor cells and there by block the amount of estrogen that enters the tumor promoting its growth (3). Other studies have concluded that melatonin aids tamoxifen's ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells (3). The experiment performed by a female student at McHenry County College closely resembled the one last discussed. The purpose of the experiment was to determine the effects of melatonin on circadian rhythms of the body. According to the previous research collected, it was determined that the subject would experience a decrease in core body temperate of .3 to .4 Celsius (.5 to .7 Fahrenheit) 5. Menaker, Michael. 1997. Commentary: What Does Melatonin Do and How Does it Do It?. Journal of Biological Rhythms. 12: 532-535
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Approximate Word count = 1391
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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