The photoperiodic message that the pineal gland conveys to the organism is encoded in the circadian melatonin rhythm. Melatonin is a ubiquitously acting hormone that mediates seasonal changes in reproduction in nonhuman mammals and may have reproductive consequences in humans as well. Additionally, melatonin may relate to the function of the immune system, hormone-responsive tumor growth, circadian rhythm disturbances, and a number of other processes.
机构:
YESHIVA UNIV ALBERT EINSTEIN COLL MED,MONTEFIORE MED CTR,DEPT PSYCHIAT,BRONX,NY 10461YESHIVA UNIV ALBERT EINSTEIN COLL MED,MONTEFIORE MED CTR,DEPT PSYCHIAT,BRONX,NY 10461