This review summarizes some of the recent findings concerning the long-held tenet that the enzyme, N-acetyltransferase, which is involved in the production of N-acetylserotonin, the immediate precursor of melatonin, may in fact not always control the quantity of melatonin generated. New evidence from several different laboratories indicates that hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase, which O-methylates N-acetylserotonin to melatonin may be rate-limiting in some cases. Also, the review makes the point that melatonin's actions are uncommonly widespread in organs due to the fact that it works via membrane receptors, nuclear receptors/binding sites and receptor-independent mechanisms, i.e., the direct scavenging of free radicals. Finally, the review briefly summarizes the actions of melatonin and its metabolites in the detoxification of oxygen and nitrogen-based free radicals and related non-radical products. Via these multiple processes, melatonin is capable of influencing the metabolism of every cell in the organism.
CITATION STYLE
Reiter, R. J., Tan, D. X., Terron, M. P., Flores, L. J., & Czarnocki, Z. (2007). Melatonin and its metabolites: New findings regarding their production and their radical scavenging actions. Acta Biochimica Polonica. Acta Biochimica Polonica. https://doi.org/10.18388/abp.2007_3264
Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.