1: Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2001 Dec;21(6):605-16.

Melatonin-dopamine interactions: from basic neurochemistry to a clinical setting.

Zisapel N.

Department of Neurobiochemistry, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
navazis@post.tau.ac.il

To review the interaction between melatonin and the dopaminergic system in the
hypothalamus and striatum and its potential clinical use in dopamine-related
disorders in the central nervous system. Medline-based search on
melatonin-dopamine interactions in mammals. Melatonin. the hormone produced by
the pineal gland at night. influences circadian and seasonal rhythms, most
notably the sleep-wake cycle and seasonal reproduction. The neurochemical basis
of these activities is not understood yet. Inhibition of dopamine release by
melatonin has been demonstrated in specific areas of the mammalian central
nervous system (hypothalamus, hippocampus, medulla-pons, and retina).
Antidopaminergic activities of melatonin have been demonstrated in the striatum.
Dopaminergic transmission has a pivotal role in circadian entrainment of the
fetus, in coordination of body movement and reproduction. Recent findings
indicate that melatonin may modulate dopaminergic pathways involved in movement
disorders in humans. In Parkinson patients melatonin may, on the one hand,
exacerbate symptoms (because of its putative interference with dopamine release)
and, on the other, protect against neurodegeneration (by virtue of its
antioxidant properties and its effects on mitochondrial activity). Melatonin
appears to be effective in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. a severe movement
disorder associated with long-term blockade of the postsynaptic dopamine D2
receptor by antipsychotic drugs in schizophrenic patients. The interaction of
melatonin with the dopaminergic system may play a significant role in the
nonphotic and photic entrainment of the biological clock as well as in the
fine-tuning of motor coordination in the striatum. These interactions and the
antioxidant nature of melatonin may be beneficial in the treatment of
dopamine-related disorders.

PMID: 12043836 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]