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Melatonin metabolism in the skin
Author(s) -
Fischer T. W.,
Sweatman T. W.,
Semak I.,
Sayre R. M.,
Wortsman J.,
Slominski A.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.108
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0625
pISSN - 0906-6705
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2006.00439e.x
Subject(s) - melatonin , metabolism , intracellular , biology , metabolite , effector , medicine , endocrinology , biochemistry
The melatoninergic system is fully expressed in the skin, which is an effector organ of melatonin protective effects. The present study aimed at detecting melatonin metabolism in keratinocytes and to identify resulting melatonin metabolites. Intracellular melatonin and three metabolites were detected by HPLC and LC‐MS. The metabolites were 6‐hydroxymelatonin, AFMK (N 1 ‐acetyl‐N 2 ‐formyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine) and 2‐hydroxymelatonin (the main intermediate between melatonin and AFMK). The intracellular concentrations were highest for melatonin, followed by 6‐hydroxymelatonin, AFMK and 2‐hydroxymelatonin. More interestingly, over a 24 h time period, melatonin consumption in favour of production of the melatonin metabolites AFMK and 2‐hydroxymelatonin was observed, whereas levels of 6‐hydroxymelatonin decreased. Finally, this process was enhanced by exposure to UVR. Thus, the cutaneous melatonin metabolism and the known biological activities of melatonin metabolites increase the spectrum of potential actions of the recently identified cutaneous melatoninergic system.