Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
4
pubmed:dateCreated
1988-11-14
pubmed:abstractText
Melatonin is synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland. A daily rhythm of melatonin secretion, with high plasma values during the dark period, has been found in all vertebrates studied so far. In psoriatics, several hormones, including GH and prolactin, have altered chronobiology, and some studies in humans suggest that melatonin affects the levels of GH and prolactin. We investigated circadian melatonin rhythm in 13 male psoriatics and 13 healthy males with an RIA specific for measuring the hormone in plasma. Samples were taken at 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 12.00, 4 p.m., 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Differences in (mean +/- SD) plasma melatonin levels were analysed by Student's t-test. Our results show that psoriatic patients had lost the nocturnal peak and usual circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion. Levels of melatonin were significantly lower than in controls at 2 a.m., and higher at 6 and 8 a.m. and at 12 noon. Further investigations of this disorder of melatonin secretion in psoriasis are needed to understand its significance.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:issn
0001-5555
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
68
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
N
pubmed:pagination
312-6
pubmed:dateRevised
2004-11-17
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1988
pubmed:articleTitle
Plasma melatonin levels in psoriasis.
pubmed:affiliation
Second Department of Dermatology, University of Milan, Italy.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article