<Review>Pineal-Digestive Organ Relations : Physiological and Pathophysiological Significance of Melatonin in the Digestive System (<総説>松果体と消化器との関連 : 消化器系におけるメラトニンの生理学的・病態生理学的意義)

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Since the pineal hormone, melatonin, has been found also in the gut, pineal-digestive organ relations werereviewed mainly in relation to physiological and pathophysiological significance of melatonin. Melatonin is transferredfrom the blood into the saliva and from the intestinal lumen into the blood. Other surveyed subjects include: 1.Contents, synthesis and receptors of melatonin in different regions of the digestive tract, its metabolism in the liverand their changes by various conditions; 2. Effects of melatonin or pinealectomy on structures, development, andfunctions of various organs in the digestive system, and preventive effects of melatonin on experimental lesions includinggastric ulcer, ulcerative colitis, diabetes mellitus and organ transplantations. These subjects, including mechanismsof melatonin actions, were discussed. The gastrointestinal tract appears to have a dual system of control by melatonin:local control by paracrine or autocrine secretion from gastroenterochromaffin cells and circadian rhythmic controlfrom the pineal. It is likely that melatonin-digestive organ relations are implicated in the adaptive-defensive mechanismby which the body copes with internal and external environmental factors like not only light-dark and oxidativestress but also temperature, water, food and activity of microorganisms, etc. relating to the light-dark environment.
弘前大学の論文