Authors
- Nermien Waly
- Richard Hallworth
Abstract
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the circadian pacemaker. The pineal hormone melatonin is involved in the regulation of circadian phase. As a part of the circadian system its synthesis and secretion is under SCN control. On the other hand, melatonin feeds back on the SCN to regulate its function. Melatonin has two specific windows of time at which it regulates SCN function, namely dusk and dawn. It has been suggested that melatonin exerts its effect on the SCN during that specific window of time via one or both of its specific receptors, MT1 or MT2.