Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access
Open Access Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Restricted Access Subscription Access

Melatonin and the Thyroid Gland - an Overview


Affiliations
1 Department of Endocrinology and Isotope Therapy, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
     

   Subscribe/Renew Journal


In this review, published data on the relationship occurring between melatonin - the main pineal hormone - and the thyroid gland, are briefly summarized. Numerous experimental data suggest an inhibitory influence of melatonin on thyroid growth and secretion. These effects have been presented in different experimental models in vivo and in vitro, the former including short-term and/or chronic melatonin administration to various animal species, in pinealectomized animals, also following light restriction which is known to increase the activity of the pineal. On the other hand, stimulatory effects of thyroid hormones on the pineal growth and function have been demonstrated. Oxidative stress is involved in physiological and pathological processes in the thyroid gland. Recent results of experimental studies suggest that melatonin can protect against oxidative damage in the thyroid. A confirmation of the mutual relationship between the pineal gland and the thyroid is - in clinical studies, in humans - rather difficult, as both human beings and animal species used in experimental studies, live far away from their natural/original habitats. It makes almost impossible to compare the results of studies on the pineal-thyroid interrelationship, obtained in particular experiments in different animal species.

Keywords

Cell Proliferation, Growth Processes, Melatonin, Pineal Gland, Thyroid Gland, Thyroid Hormones.
Subscription Login to verify subscription
User
Notifications
Font Size


Abstract Views: 351

PDF Views: 0




  • Melatonin and the Thyroid Gland - an Overview

Abstract Views: 351  |  PDF Views: 0

Authors

A. Lewinski
Department of Endocrinology and Isotope Therapy, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
M. Karbownik
Department of Endocrinology and Isotope Therapy, Medical University of Lodz, Poland

Abstract


In this review, published data on the relationship occurring between melatonin - the main pineal hormone - and the thyroid gland, are briefly summarized. Numerous experimental data suggest an inhibitory influence of melatonin on thyroid growth and secretion. These effects have been presented in different experimental models in vivo and in vitro, the former including short-term and/or chronic melatonin administration to various animal species, in pinealectomized animals, also following light restriction which is known to increase the activity of the pineal. On the other hand, stimulatory effects of thyroid hormones on the pineal growth and function have been demonstrated. Oxidative stress is involved in physiological and pathological processes in the thyroid gland. Recent results of experimental studies suggest that melatonin can protect against oxidative damage in the thyroid. A confirmation of the mutual relationship between the pineal gland and the thyroid is - in clinical studies, in humans - rather difficult, as both human beings and animal species used in experimental studies, live far away from their natural/original habitats. It makes almost impossible to compare the results of studies on the pineal-thyroid interrelationship, obtained in particular experiments in different animal species.

Keywords


Cell Proliferation, Growth Processes, Melatonin, Pineal Gland, Thyroid Gland, Thyroid Hormones.



DOI: https://doi.org/10.18519/jer%2F2004%2Fv8%2F98756