Melatonin receptors and their role in human diseases

Abstract

Melatonin acts mostly through G-protein-coupled plasma membrane receptors. MT1 and MT2 are the two functional melatonin membrane receptors. They are expressed in various organs of all mammals, including humans. The functional meaning of the receptors in the various organs is still not sufficiently investigated. This chapter summarizes the currently available data about MT1 and MT2 receptors in human tissues and human cells. Established and putative functions of melatonin after receptor activation will be described, and the clinical relevance of these findings will be discussed.