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Ontogeny of Circadian Rhythmicity for Melatonin, Serotonin, and N‐Acetylserotonin in Humans
Author(s) -
Attanasio Andrea,
Rager Klaus,
Gupta Derek
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
journal of pineal research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1600-079X
pISSN - 0742-3098
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-079x.1986.tb00747.x
Subject(s) - melatonin , circadian rhythm , serotonin , endocrinology , medicine , pineal gland , biology , significant difference , receptor
The serum concentration of melatonin, serotonin, and N‐acetylserotonin were measured by RIA procedures in 28 infants aged 1 week to 9 months. Blood specimens were obtained at 1200 hr and 2400 hr. A day‐night difference in serum serotonin was present immediately after birth. A significant ( P < 0.001) decrease in serum serotonin concentrations at 1200 hr and 2400 hr was observed from the first month of age to the third to ninth month of age. A significant ( P < 0.05) difference in day‐night N‐acteylserotonin concentration is first seen at age 1–3 months. Serum melatonin concentrations, though detectable, did not show any day‐night difference at birth. Melatonin concentrations progressively increased up to the third month of age, and a significant ( P < 0.01) day‐night difference appeared thereafter. The results indicate that in humans the circadian organizatijon for serotonin already exists at birth, and the circadian melatonin rhythm develops after birth.