Identification and characterization of melatonin binding sites in the gastrointestinal tract of ducks

Influence of Different Light Spectra on Melatonin Synthesis by the Pineal Gland and Influence on the Immune System in Chickens

It is well known that the pineal gland in birds influences behavioural and physiological functions, including those of the immune system. The purpose of this research is to examine the endocrine-immune correlations between melatonin and immune system activity. Through a description of the immune-pineal axis, we formulated the objective to determine and describe: the development of the pineal gland; how light influences secretory activity; and how melatonin influences the activity of primary and secondary lymphoid organs. The pineal gland has the ability to turn light information into an endocrine signal suitable for the immune system via the membrane receptors Mel1a, Mel1b, and Mel1c, as well as the nuclear receptors RORα, RORβ, and RORγ. We can state the following findings: green monochromatic light (560 nm) increased serum melatonin levels and promoted a stronger humoral and cellular immune response by proliferating B and T lymphocytes; the combination of green and blue monochromatic light (560-480 nm) ameliorated the inflammatory response and protected lymphoid organs from oxidative stress; and red monochromatic light (660 nm) maintained the inflammatory response and promoted the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Melatonin can be considered a potent antioxidant and immunomodulator and is a critical element in the coordination between external light stimulation and the body's internal response.

Melatonin alleviates Ochratoxin A-induced liver inflammation involved intestinal microbiota homeostasis and microbiota-independent manner

Melatonin (MEL) shows an anti-inflammatory effect and regulates intestinal microbiota communities in animals and humans; Ochratoxin A (OTA) induces liver inflammation through intestinal microbiota. However, it remains to know whether MEL alleviates the liver inflammation induced by OTA. In this study, MEL reversed various adverse effects induced by OTA. MEL recovered the swarming and motility of intestinal microbiota, decreased the accumulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), enhanced the tight junction proteins of jejunum and cecum segments; ultimately alleviated OTA-induced liver inflammation in ducks. However, it is worth noting that MEL still had positive effects on the OTA-exposed ducks after antibiotic treatment. These results suggest that both the maintenance of intestinal microbiota homeostasis and intestinal microbiota-independent manner involved the MEL anti-inflammatory function in OTA-induced liver inflammation. MEL represent a promising protective approach for OTA, even other mycotoxins.

Biogeography of microbiome and short-chain fatty acids in the gastrointestinal tract of duck

It is generally accepted that domestic ducks are valuable protein sources for humans. The gastrointestinal ecosystem contains enormous and complicated microbes that have a profound effect on the nutrition, immunity, health, and production of domestic ducks. To deeply understand the gastrointestinal microbial composition of domestic ducks, we investigated the microbiomes of 7 different gastrointestinal locations (proventriculus, gizzard, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and rectum) and the short-chain fatty acids in 15 healthy muscovy ducks based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, qPCR, and gas chromatography. As a result, 1 029 735 sequences were identified into 35 phyla and 359 genera. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the major phyla, with Bacteroidetes being most abundant in the cecum. The population of the total bacteria and the representatives of the Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Bacteroides groups increased from the proximal to the distal part of the GIT. Bacteroides was the most dominant group in the cecum. Acetate, propionate, and butytrate, as well as gene copies of butyryl-CoA including acetate-CoA transferase and butyrate kinase, were significantly higher in cecum than in other sections. Isobutyrate, valerate, and isovalerate were only found in the cecum. The differences of microbial composition and the short-chain fatty acids of their metabolites among these 7 intestinal locations might be correlated with differences in gut function. All these results provide a reference for the duck gastrointestinal microbiome and a foundation for understanding the types of bacteria that promote health and enhance growth performance and decrease instances of disease in duck breeding.

The relation between reduced serum melatonin levels and zinc in rats with induced hypothyroidism

The objective of the study was to explore the changes in melatonin and zinc levels in rats with induced hypothyroidism. Thirty adult male rats used in the study were allocated to three groups with equal numbers. Group 1: General control group which was not subjected to any procedure. Group 2: Sham-hypothyroidism group to which was administered 10 mg kg(-1) intraperitoneal (i.p.) physiologic saline (0.09% NaCl) for 4 weeks. Group 3: Hypothyroidism group which was supplemented with intraperitoneal 10 mg kg(-1) propylthiouracil (PTU) for 4 weeks. Blood samples collected from all animals at the end of the study by decapitation were analysed for serum Total T4 (TT4), Total T3 (TT3), Free T4 (FT4), Free T3 (FT3) (ELISA) as well as for melatonin (RIA) hormones and zinc levels (atomic emission). Comparison of the study groups in terms of thyroid hormones, melatonin and zinc levels showed that TT4, TT3, FT4, FT3, melatonin and zinc levels in group 3 were lower than those in groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.01). These parameters were not different in groups 1 and 2. The results of the study demonstrate that PTU supplementation for 4 weeks results in a significant inhibition in both melatonin and zinc levels. Inhibited melatonin levels may result from the decrease in zinc levels.

Influences of sex and saline intake on diurnal changes in plasma melatonin and osmoregulatory hormones of Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)

Melatonin (MT) inhibits salt gland secretion of Pekin ducks [Ching, A.C.T., Hughes, M.R., Poon, A.M.S., Pang, S.F., 1999. Melatonin receptors and melatonin inhibition of duck salt gland secretion. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 116, 229-240]. The present study examined simultaneous diurnal changes in plasma concentrations of MT and four osmoregulatory hormones of Pekin ducks to assess the possible interactions among these hormones that might contribute to inhibition of extrarenal salt secretion. The study compared diurnal changes in freshwater (FW) and saline-acclimated (SA) male and female ducks. We hypothesized plasma concentrations of osmoregulatory hormones: (1) differ between sexes (partially accepted); (2) vary diurnally (accepted, influenced by sex and treatment); (3) are correlated with MT (partially accepted); and their diurnal variation is affected by (4) sex (partially accepted); and (5) saline acclimation (partially accepted). We compared body mass, plasma osmolality (Osm(pl)), plasma volume, concentrations of plasma ions, and arginine vasotocin (AVT), angiotensin II (AII), prolactin, (PRL), and aldosterone (ALDO), in relation to plasma melatonin (MT). At night body mass increased in FW ducks and decreased in SA ducks. This likely reflects the higher plasma PRL concentration of female ducks and its middark increase only in SA ducks. Plasma volume increased at night in all but FW males. Plasma sodium and osmolality were higher in SA ducks and did not vary diurnally in either FW or SA ducks. Midday MT did not differ between males and females or between FW and SA ducks; at middark, all ducks, except FW females, increased MT. Midday AVT was higher in SA ducks. Only FW ducks increased AVT at middark. Changes in AVT and MT were positively correlated in males and negatively correlated in females. Males had higher AII and, at night, AII increased in SA ducks and decreased in FW ducks. AVT and AII were negatively correlated. ALDO was highly correlated with AII and unaffected by sex, saline, or time. At night, only AVT was elevated in FW ducks, while MT, AII, and PRL were elevated in SA ducks. FW and SA ducks appear to follow different, but equally effective, hormonal strategies to maintain osmotic homeostasis at night. We conclude that the effect of MT on salt gland secretion is probably a direct effect. These may be influenced by gender.

Regulation of salt gland, gut and kidney interactions

Marine birds can drink seawater because their cephalic 'salt' glands secrete a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution more concentrated than seawater. Salt gland secretion generates osmotically free water that sustains their other physiological processes. Acclimation to saline induces interstitial water and Na move into cells. When the bird drinks seawater, Na enters the plasma from the gut and plasma osmolality (Osm(pl)) increases. This induces water to move out cells expanding the extracellular fluid volume (ECFV). Both increases in Osm(pl) and ECFV stimulate salt gland secretion. The augmented intracellular fluid content should allow more rapid expansion of ECFV in response to elevated Osm(pl) and facilitate activation of salt gland secretion. To fully utilize the potential of the salt glands, intestinally absorbed NaCl must be reabsorbed by the kidneys. Thus, Na uptake at gut and renal levels may constrain extrarenal NaCl secretion. High NaCl intake elevates plasma aldosterone concentration of Pekin ducks and aldosterone stimulates intestinal and renal water and sodium uptake. High NaCl intake induces lengthening of the small intestine of adult Mallards, especially males. High NaCl intake has little effect on glomerular filtration rate or tubular sodium Na uptake of birds with competent salt glands. Relative to body mass, kidney mass and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are greater in birds with salt glands than in birds that do not have them. Birds with salt glands do not change GFR, when they drink saline. Thus, their renal filtrate contains excess Na that is, in some species, almost completely renally reabsorbed and excreted in a more concentrated salt gland secretion. Na reabsorption by kidneys of other species, like mallards is less complete and their salt glands make less concentrated secretion. Such species may reflux urine into the hindgut, where additional Na may also be reabsorbed for extrarenal secretion. During exposure to saline, marine birds maintain elevated aldosterone levels despite high Na intake. Marine birds are excellent examples of physiological plasticity.

Melatonin potentiates phenylephrine-stimulated intracellular Ca2+ transient in smooth muscle cell of large arteries of chick embryo

In the current study we first characterized the properties of the 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding in pulmonary artery and aorta of chick embryo, and then determined the location of the binding site with autoradiography. Receptor binding assays were used using 2-[125I]iodomelatonin as ligand. The binding was stable, saturable, specific and reversible. Scatchard anlaysis revealed an equilibrium binding constant (Kd) of 27.12 +/- 1.34 pM and a maximum binding capacity (Bmax) of 1.93 +/- 0.19 fmol/mg protein (n = 5). Guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS) increased the Kd, but reduced the Bmax, indicating the binding being coupled to a G-protein. Autoradiography revealed the binding sites in the smooth muscle layer. To delineate the physiological function of melatonin in the large artery of the chick embryo, we determined the intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in smooth muscle cells of the aorta with spectrofluorometry, using fura 2-AM as calcium indicator. Melatonin at 10(-8) to 10(-5), which itself had no effect, potentiated the stimulating effect of 0.1 microM phenylephrine, a selective agonist of alpha -adrenoceptor, on [Ca2+]i. In conclusion, specific binding of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin and physiological response to melatonin suggest the existence of melatonin receptor in the smooth muscle of large arteries of the chick embryo. Melatonin potentiates the effects of alpha1-adrenergic stimulation.

2[125I]Iodomelatonin binding sites in guinea pig platelets

Using 2[125I]iodomelatonin as the radioligand, we characterized 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in guinea pig platelet membrane preparations. Saturation radioreceptor studies indicated that these 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites were of picomolar affinity and femtomolar density. The dissociation constant (Kd) and maximum number of receptor sites (Bmax) were 42.5 +/- 1.79 pM and 11.8 +/- 0.8 fmol/mg protein (n = 6), respectively. 2[125I]Iodomelatonin competition studies with indoles or drugs indicate the following rank order of potency: 2-iodomelatonin > melatonin > 6-chloromelatonin > 6-hydroxymelatonin > N-acetylserotonin > 5-methoxytryptophol, whereas serotonin and its analogs had less than 20% inhibition at 0.1 mM. Guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) significantly increased the Kd by twofold suggesting that these binding sites are coupled to the guanine nucleotide binding proteins. Immunoblotting studies using anti-MT(1) IgG demonstrated one peptide blockable band with an apparent molecular mass of 37 kDa. Melatonin had no effect on prostacyclin or forskolin-stimulated intracellular 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate accumulation. A diurnal variation in binding density, which was abolished after the animals were adapted to constant light conditions, was observed. Age related studies demonstrated that Bmax increased as the animal matured. Physiological melatonin concentrations potentiated whereas those at pharmacological levels inhibited adenosine diphosphate- or arachidonic acid-stimulated platelet aggregation. Our study demonstrated G-protein coupled, saturable, reversible and highly specific picomolar affinity 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in guinea pig platelets. Pharmocological and physiological data indicate that they may be different from the nanomolar [3H]melatonin binding sites in human platelets previously reported.

Melatonin receptors and melatonin inhibition of duck salt gland secretion

Most of the NaCl ingested by marine birds is reabsorbed from renal filtrate and excreted by the cephalic salt glands as a hypertonic NaCl secretion (SGS). Ducks have salt glands and their kidney cells have melatonin receptors. Melatonin affects glomerular filtration rate and tubular uptake of sodium (Na(+)) in mammals. We hypothesized that (1) duck salt glands also have melatonin receptors and (2) melatonin affects extrarenal Na(+) secretion. Both hypotheses were accepted because putative melatonin receptors were identified by 2¿(125)Iĭodomelatonin binding in salt glands of Pekin ducks, Anas platyrhynchos, and because melatonin inhibited SGS in these ducks. Saline ingestion increased B(max), but not K(d), of salt gland receptors. The duration of NaCl infusion needed to stimulate SGS was positively related with preinfusion plasma melatonin concentration (¿mel(pl)). Raising ¿mel(pl) prior to NaCl infusion further delayed onset of secretion and decreased secretion rate and concentration without affecting plasma volume and Na(+) concentration. Abrupt increase in ¿mel(pl) during SGS immediately decreased the rate by 43%. Secretion rate remained lower than the control rate during the subsequent hour; secretion concentration was not affected. This is the first report of putative melatonin binding sites in avian salt glands. Melatonin slowed the onset of NaCl-induced salt gland secretion and decreased its rate.

Role of melatonin in the control of growth and growth hormone secretion in poultry

The pineal hormone melatonin controls reproduction of photoperiodic mammals and is an integral part of the circadian organization in birds. Recent findings indicate an involvement of this hormone also in more basic physiological processes, including growth, development, and aging. Melatonin may modulate growth in poultry through interaction with transcriptional factors, through interaction with hormones involved in growth control, and by modulation of energy metabolism and decreasing physical activity. Our studies showed that a single melatonin injection increased plasma growth hormone (GH) concentrations in the Japanese quail. Specific serotonin receptor blocker ketanserin did not preclude a stimulatory action of melatonin on GH synthesis. Serotonin agonist quipazine increased GH levels but failed to enhance the stimulatory effect of melatonin. Pretreatment with melatonin in drinking water did not affect the magnitude of the GH response to subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) that considerably stimulated GH secretion. Present data suggest that melatonin modulates rather central neural pathways involved in the control of GH synthesis at the hypothalamic level than the sensitivity of the pituitary gland.

Melatonin administration in tumor-bearing mice (intact and pinealectomized) in relation to stress, zinc, thymulin and IL-2

Melatonin (MEL) may counteract tumors through a direct oncostatic role. MEL is also an antistress agent with immunoenhancing properties against tumors due to a suppressive role of MEL on corticosterone release. Rotational stress (RS) (spatial disorientation) facilitates metastasis progression in mice. Also, MEL counteracts tumors because of its influence on immune responses via the metabolic zinc pool, which, is reduced in tumors and stress. Zinc is required for normal thymic endocrine activity (i.e. thymulin) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production. Because in vivo data is still controversial, exogenous MEL treatment (22 days in drinking water) in both intact and pinealectomized (px) mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma leads to significant decrements of metastasis volume, restoration of the negative crude zinc balance, recovery of thymulin activity and increment of IL-2 exclusively in intact and px tumor bearing mice subjected to RS. Significant inverse correlations are found in both stressed intact and px tumor bearing mice after MEL treatment between zinc and corticosterone (r = 0.78, P < 0.01; r = 0.80, P < 0.01, respectively). Positive correlations between zinc and IL-2 (r = 0.75, P < 0.01; r = 0.73, P < 0.01, respectively) or thymulin (r = 0.75, P < 0.01; r = 0.82, P < 0.01, respectively) are observed in same models of mice. These findings suggest a MEL action to decrease metastasis mediated by a possible interplay between zinc and MEL, via corticosterone, with consequent restoration of thymic efficiency and IL-2 production. MEL as an antistress agent with immunoenhancing properties in cancer deserves further consideration.nuclear factor-kb; POMC, proopiomelanocortin; Px, pinealectomized mice; RIA, radioimmunoassay; RS, rotational stress; SDI, stressed intact mice; SDPx, stressed pinealectomized mice; TNF-alpha, tumor necrosis factor-alpha; ZnFTS, active zinc-bound thymulin; ZnFTS + FTS, total thymulin.

Tissue retention and subcellular distribution of continuously infused melatonin in rats under near physiological conditions

The fate and disposition of the melatonin released into the circulation is still poorly understood, and almost all current knowledge is derived from measurements made after a single and often a very large dose of labelled melatonin. In continuous infusion experiments in freely moving rats, we have recently demonstrated that considerable amounts of melatonin must be endogenously released in order to achieve and maintain approximately a 10-fold elevation of the low daytime plasma levels of this hormone. We have now applied this infusion paradigm to study the fate and tissue accumulation of [3H]-melatonin continuously infused under near physiological conditions into the jugular vein for a period of 2 hr. The retention of [3H]-melatonin and chloroform-insoluble [3H]-melatonin-metabolites was measured in almost all body tissues and their subcellular compartments immediately at the end of the infusion period and 6 hr later. At the end of the 2 hr infusion period, about 45% of the administered melatonin was recovered as water-soluble metabolites in the urine and about 20% in the small intestine. Some accumulation of [3H]-melatonin-derived water-soluble radioactivity was also noticed in the liver, colon, adrenals, and pituitary, as well as in the feces. The subcellular distribution of this radioactivity differed between tissues. During the period of 6 hr after the termination of infusion, a considerable amount of melatonin-derived radioactivity was found to become increasingly attached to the proteous interlayer of chloroform extracts of tissues and subcellular fractions, from where it could only be liberated by protease treatment.

Presence of links between zinc and melatonin during the circadian cycle in old mice: effects on thymic endocrine activity and on the survival

Links between zinc and melatonin in old melatonin treated mice with a reconstitution of thymic functions have been recently documented. Concomitant increments of the nocturnal peaks of zinc and melatonin, with a synchronization of their circadian patterns, are achieved in old mice after melatonin treatment. A recovery of the nocturnal peaks of thymulin plasma levels and of the number of thymulin-secreting cells with a synchronization of their circadian patterns are also achieved. The existence of significant positive correlations between melatonin and zinc and between melatonin and thymulin or the number of thymulin-secreting cells supports the presence of links between zinc and melatonin also during the circadian cycle with a beneficial effect on thymic functions. The altered circadian pattern of corticosteron in old mice is normalized by melatonin. The existence of inverse correlations between corticosteron and melatonin, between corticosteron and zinc and between corticosteron and thymulin or the number of thymulin-secreting cells during the whole circadian cycle, suggests the involvement of glucocorticoids pathway in the melatonin thymic reconstitution, via zinc. The presence of an interplay among zinc, melatonin, glucocorticoids and thymulin may be, therefore, supported during the circadian cycle. 'In vitro' experiments from old thymic explants show a direct action of zinc, rather than melatonin, on thymulin production, further suggesting that the action of melatonin on the thymic efficiency is mediated by the zinc bioavailability. The beneficial effect of the links between zinc and melatonin on thymic functions during the circadian cycle, may be extended to a prolonged survival in aging, where, however, zinc may be more involved.

Studies of melatonin effects on epithelia using the human embryonic kidney-293 (HEK-293) cell line

The expression of melatonin receptors (MR) of the Mel1a subtype in basolateral membrane of guinea pig kidney proximal tubule suggests that melatonin plays a role in regulating epithelial functions. To investigate the cellular basis of melatonin action on epithelia, we sought to establish an appropriate in vitro culture model. Epithelial cell lines originating from kidneys of dog (MDCK), pig (LLC-PK1), opossum (OK), and human embryo (HEK-293) were each tested for the presence of MR using 2-[125I]iodomelatonin (125I-MEL) as a radioligand. The HEK-293 cell line exhibited the highest specific 125I-MEL binding. By intermediate filament characterization, the HEK-293 cells were determined to be of epithelial origin. Binding of 125I-MEL in HEK-293 cells demonstrated saturability, reversibility, and high specificity with an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) value of 23.8 +/- 0.5 pM and a maximum number of binding sites (Bmax) value of 1.17 +/- 0.11 fmol/mg protein (n = 5), which are comparable with the reported Kd and Bmax values in human kidney cortex. Coincubation with GTPgammaS (10 microM) and pertussis toxin (100 ng/ml) provoked a marked decrease in binding affinity (Kd was increased by a factor of 1.5-2.0), with no significant difference in Bmax. Melatonin (1 microM) decreased the forskolin (10 microM) stimulated cAMP level by 50%. HEK-293 cells do not express dopamine D1A receptor. Following transient transfection of HEK-293 cells with human dopamine D1A receptor (hD1A-R), exposure of the cells to dopamine stimulated an increase in the level of cAMP. Similarly, transient transfection of HEK-293 cells with rat glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), and PTH type 1 receptors, each resulted in an hormone inducible increase in cAMP levels. Surprisingly, only the stimulatory effect of dopamine could be inhibited by exposure to melatonin. The inhibitory effect of melatonin on dopamine D1-induced increase in cAMP was completely inhibited by pertussis toxin (100 ng/ml, 18 h). Immunoblot and immunocytochemical studies were carried out using two polyclonal antibodies raised against the extra and cytoplasmic domains of Mel1a receptor. Immunoblot studies using antibody against the cytoplasmic domain of Mel1a receptor confirmed the presence of a peptide blockable 37 kDa band in HEK-293 cells. Indirect immunofluorescent studies with both antibodies revealed staining predominantly at the cell surface, but staining with the antibody directed against the cytoplasmic domain required prior cell permeabilization. By RT-PCR, HEK-293 cells express both Mel1a and Mel1b messenger RNAs, but the messenger RNA level for Mel1b is several orders of magnitude lower than for Mel1a. We conclude that HEK-293 cells express MR predominantly of the Mel1a subtype. Our evidence suggests that one of the ways that melatonin exerts its biological function is through modulation of cellular dopaminergic responses.

Melatonin protects against gastric ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Lipid peroxidation and active oxygen metabolites have been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute gastric mucosal injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion. The aim of this study was to examine the in vivo protective effects of melatonin on ischemia-reperfusion induced gastric damage in rats. The peroxidation of lipids and changes in the activities of related enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and myeloperoxidase, as a marker of neutrophil infiltration, were also studied. Our results show that gastric injury was significantly increased after 30 min ischemia induced by clamping the celiac artery and 60 min reperfusion. Intraperitoneal administration of melatonin prevented postischemic mucosal injury. The mean ulcer indices of rats treated with 5, 10, and 20 mg kg(-1) were significantly lower (P<0.01, P<0.001) than that of control rats. These protective effects were likely in part related to a reduction of neutrophil infiltration (myeloperoxidase values). Lipid peroxidation in the stomach was increased by ischemia-reperfusion injury and this increase was inhibited by the administration of melatonin. In addition, treatment with melatonin limited the decreased glutathione peroxidase activity. The results suggest that melatonin confers a marked protection against ischemia-reperfusion gastric injury which could be due to melatonin's free radical scavenging activity and its ability to reduce neutrophil-induced toxicity.

Autoradiographic localization of 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals including humans and birds

In-vitro autoradiography was utilized to compare the distribution of 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites or putative melatonin receptors in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans, guinea pigs, mice, rats, hamsters, rabbits, ducks, chickens, pigeons, and quail. In humans, binding was detected in the mucosa of the colon, caecum, appendix, and on their blood vessels but not in the ileum. In the other mammals, significant binding was only demonstrated in the mucosa of the rabbit rectum, mouse colon, mouse rectum, and guinea pig ileum. The distribution of 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding in the avian gut varied with species. In the esophagus, binding was present in the lamina propria and blood vessels of all four birds. However, only the lamina propria of the chicken and quail proventriculus and ventriculus showed positive binding. For the duodenum and ileum, binding was very strong in the duck lamina propria, weak in the chicken lamina propria, and absent in the quail. In contrast, the pigeon muscle layer was weakly positive. The most striking species difference was found in the caecum where the duck lamina propria showed very strong binding, while the chicken lamina propria was only weakly positive. Conversely, the caecal muscle layer was strongly positive in chicken and quail but negative in duck and pigeon. In the rectum, a similar but less intense pattern of distribution was observed. The tremendous diversity in the distribution of 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in the gastrointestinal tract is in accord with the hypothesis that melatonin may serve different functions in the gut of different species.

Investigation into the contractile response of melatonin in the guinea-pig isolated proximal colon: the role of 5-HT4 and melatonin receptors

1. The interaction of melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) with 5-hydroxytryptamine4 (5-HT4) receptors and/or with melatonin receptors (ML1, ML2 sites) has been assessed in isolated strips of the guinea-pig proximal colon. In the same preparation, the pharmacological profile of a series of melatonin agonists (2-iodomelatonin, 6-chloromelatonin, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (N-acetyl-5-HT), 5-methoxycarbonylamino-N-acetyltryptamine (5-MCA-NAT)) was investigated. 2. In the presence of 5-HT1/2/3 receptor blockade with methysergide (1 microM) and ondansetron (10 microM), melatonin (0.1 nM-10 microM), 5-HT (1 nM-1 microM) and the 5-HT4 receptor agonist, 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MeOT: 1 nM-1 microM) caused concentration-dependent contractile responses. 5-HT and 5-MeOT acted as full agonists with a potency (-log EC50) of 7.8 and 8.0, respectively. The potency value for melatonin was 8.7, but its maximum effect was only 58% of that elicited by 5-HT. 3. Melatonin responses were resistant to atropine (0.1 microM), tetrodotoxin (0.3 microM), and to blockade of 5-HT4 receptors by SDZ 205,557 (0.3 microM) and GR 125487 (3, 30 and 300 nM). The latter antagonist (3 nM) inhibited 5-HT-induced contractions with an apparent pA2 value of 9.6 GR 125487 antagonism was associated with 30% reduction of the 5-HT response maximum. Contractions elicited by 5-HT were not modified when melatonin (1 and 10 nM) was used as an antagonist. 4. Like melatonin, the four melatonin analogues concentration-dependently contracted colonic strips. The rank order of agonist potency was: 2-iodomelatonin (10.8) > 6-chloromelatonin (9.9) > or = N-acetyl-5-HT (9.8) > or = 5-MCA-NAT (9.6) > melatonin (8.7), an order typical for ML2 sites. In comparison with the other agonists, 5-MCA-NAT had the highest intrinsic activity. 5. The melatonin ML1B receptor antagonist luzindole (0.3, 1 and 3 microM) had no effect on the concentration-response curve to melatonin. Prazosin, an alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist possessing moderate/ high affinity for melatonin ML2 sites did not affect melatonin-induced contractions at 0.1 microM. Higher prazosin concentrations (0.3 and 1 microM) caused a non-concentration-dependent depression of the maximal response to melatonin without changing its potency. Prazosin (0.1 and 1 microM) showed a similar depressant behaviour towards the contractile responses to 5-MCA-NAT. 6. In the guinea-pig proximal colon, melatonin despite some structural similarity with the 5-HT4 receptor agonist 5-MeOT, does not interact with 5-HT4 receptors (or with 5-HT1/2/3 receptors). As indicated by the rank order of agonist potencies and by the inefficacy of luzindole, the most likely sites of action of melatonin are postjunctional ML2 receptors. However, this assumption could not be corroborated with the use of prazosin as this 'ML2 receptor antagonist' showed only a non-concentration-dependent depression of the maximal contractile response to both melatonin and 5-MCA-NAT. Further investigation with the use of truly selective antagonists at melatonin ML2 receptors is required to clarify this issue.

Apamin blocks the direct relaxant effect of melatonin on rat ileal smooth muscle

The present study investigated the mechanisms of melatonin-induced inhibition of the ileal smooth muscle contraction. Rat isolated ileal smooth muscle strips were stimulated in an organ bath using carbachol (CAR) or potassium chloride (KCl) depolarization. Under these conditions, melatonin produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of muscle contraction (mean inhibitory concentration, IC50: 17.3 x 10(-6) M), which was not blocked by either tetrodotoxin (10(-6) M), hexamethonium (10(-4) M), or phentolamine (10(-6) M). The inhibitory effect of melatonin during CAR stimulation was blocked in a concentration-dependent manner by the presence of apamin (4.8 x 10(-9) M), a K(+)-channel blocker. By contrast, other K(+)-channel blockers such as 4-aminopyridine (10(-4) M to 5 x 10(-3) M), tetraethylammonium (10(-4) to 10(-1) M), and glibenclamide (10(-5) M) were ineffective. Additionally, the Ca(2+)-channel antagonists nitrendipine (IC50: 2.4 x 10(-9) M) and verapamil (IC50: 1.1 x 10(-7) M) also blocked the inhibitory action of melatonin. These results suggest that melatonin may interact with an apamin-sensitive, possibly Ca(2+)-activated, K+ channel and thus cause an inhibition of ileal smooth muscle contractions.

Melatonin in the rat testis: evidence for local synthesis

The vertebrate pineal gland rhythmically produces melatonin, a hormone involved in regulation of several physiological and behavioral processes. Melatonin is synthesized from serotonin essentially by two enzymatic steps involving N-acetyltransferase (NAT) and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase activities. We have previously demonstrated the presence of melatonin binding sites in the rat testes, and an inhibitory effect of melatonin on testicular gonadotrophin-stimulated androgen production. It is unknown whether these effects are mediated by melatonin synthesized locally or by melatonin from pineal origin. To assess the potential capacity of melatonin production by the testis, we used radiolabeled precursors to measure the activities of N-acetyltransferase and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase. The production of N-acetylserotonin was time-dependent during over 10 min of incubation. Melatonin had a linear increase throughout the 30 min incubation period with S-adenosyl-L-[methyl-14C]methionine. Identities of melatonin and N-acetylserotonin were confirmed by thin-layer chromatography. The ability of the testis to synthesize melatonin during sexual maturation was also analyzed. When activity of NAT was expressed per mg of protein, the maximal activity was observed on day 40. In contrast, when activity of NAT is expressed by the testis, the amount of NAT increased to peak on day 40 and remained elevated through day 70. We determined that both activities were predominantly localized in interstitial cells. NAT activity in seminiferous tubules was substantially decreased, representing 6.4% of NAT activity in interstitial cells. We concluded that rat testes are capable of synthesizing melatonin due to the presence of the enzymes necessary for the transformation of serotonin to melatonin.

N-acetyltransferase activity in the quail (Coturnix coturnix jap) duodenum

The activity and kinetics of N-acetyltransferase (NAT) in the quail duodenum were studied by radioenzymatic assay. NAT activity was highest when incubated under 37 degrees C, at pH 5.8 for 15 sec. Of the four substrates tested (tryptamine, 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine, serotonin, and N-acetylserotonin at concentrations of 0.08-4 mM), only tryptamine showed the substrate saturation phenomenon when incubated with the duodenal enzyme and acetyl-14C-coenzyme A. The saturation concentration of tryptamine was about 4 mM. Using the double reciprocal plot and regression equation, the Michaelis constant (Km) and maximal rate (Vmax) of NAT activity were found to be 0.204 mM and 0.917 nmol.mg protein-1.min-1, respectively. Diurnal study demonstrated higher NAT activity at middark (3.7 nmol.mg protein-1.min-1) and lower activity at midlight (2.4 nmol.mg protein-1.min-1), suggesting a circadian rhythm of the enzyme activities in the quail duodenum.

Identification and characterization of 2[125I]-iodomelatonin binding sites in the rat epididymis

Putative melatonin receptors in different parts of the male reproductive system of rats (Sprague-Dawley), mice (ICR), hamsters (Syrian) and guinea pigs (Dunkin-Hartley), rat epididymal sperm, and boar and human semen were studied by a radioreceptor assay using 2[125I]iodomelatonin as the radioligand. There was limited or no detectable binding of 2[125I]iodomelatonin to membrane preparations of rat testis, seminal vesicles, prostate, or sperm from rat, human, and boar. However, significant bindings of 2[125I]iodomelatonin to the epididymides of rat, mouse, hamster, and guinea-pig were demonstrated. The relative binding capacities of 2[125I]iodomelatonin to the distal epididymal segment in different rodent species was of the order rat mouse hamster guinea pig. The relative number of binding sites was much lower in the proximal segment than in the distal segment of epididymis. 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding to the distal segment of rat epididymis was studied in detail. The binding sites fulfilled all criteria for a receptor site; being stable, saturable, reversible, and of high affinity. The binding had an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 62.6 +/- 7.79 pmol/l (n = 7) and a density (Bmax) of 1.55 +/- 0.16 fmol/mg protein (n = 7). The Hill coefficient approached 1.0, suggesting a single class of 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites. Pharmacological studies revealed that these 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites were specific for melatonin receptors. In addition, there was an age-related change in the 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in the rat distal epididymal segment. The binding increased from a lower value in 1-month-old rats to a higher adult value in the 1 1/2- to 24-month-old animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Melatonin is involved in cholecystokinin-induced changes of ileal motility in rats

The aim of this study was to determine, in the rat, the interaction between melatonin and cholecystokinin in the regulation of the ileal interdigestive motility. This was analyzed by the chronic electromyography technique. Ileal motility was defined by the presence of intermittent spike bursts corresponding to the contractile activity of the organ. In control rats, these spike bursts were organized in cyclic myoelectrical complexes. Each complex is characterized by two successive spiking activity phases: the irregular phase (ISA) followed by the regular phase (RSA). Pinealectomy suppressed the RSA phase so ileal motility was constituted only by the ISA phase. When melatonin (1 mg/kg i.v.) was injected into pinealectomized rats, RSA phases were immediately and definitively restored. RSA phases were also re-established when the "alimentary" type of cholecystokinin receptors (CCKA) were blocked by selective antagonists such as L364,718 or SR27897 (1 mg/kg i.v.). The latter had better brain accessibility than L364,718. Unlike the effects of melatonin, the effect of these antagonists was neither immediate (the latency is longer for L364,718 than for SR27897) nor definitive. In control rats, cholecystokinin (5 micrograms/kg i.v.) induced a characteristic long-lasting (29 +/- 2 min) excitomotor effect on the ileum. This effect was suppressed in pinealectomized rats and was restored after melatonin treatment. These results suggest that, via the central nervous system, melatonin is involved in the modulation of cholecystokinin action on ileal motility.

The immuno-reconstituting effect of melatonin or pineal grafting and its relation to zinc pool in aging mice

It has been demonstrated that melatonin, the main neuro-hormone of the pineal gland, affects thymic functions and the regulation of the immune system. In addition, experimental evidences indicate that melatonin can modulate zinc turnover. The knowledge that with advancing age both melatonin and zinc plasma levels decline, and that zinc supplementation in old mice is able to restore the reduced immunological functions, has prompted investigations on the effect of chronic melatonin treatment or pineal graft in old mice on the age-related decline of thymic endocrine activity, peripheral immune functions and zinc turnover. Both melatonin treatment in old mice and pineal graft into the thymus of old mice correct the reduced thymic endocrine activity and increase the weight of the thymus and its cellularity. A restoration of cortical thymic volume, as detected by the percentage of tissue in active proliferation, is also observed in old mice after both treatments. Thymocyte CD phenotype expression is also restored to young values. At peripheral level, recovery of peripheral blood lymphocyte number and of spleen cell subsets, with increased mitogen responsiveness also occurs. Melatonin treatment or pineal graft induce also a restoration of the altered zinc turnover in aged mice with an increment of the crude zinc balance from negative (-1.6 microgram/day/mouse) to positive value (+1.2 microgram/day/mouse), similar to that one of young mice (+1.4 microgram/day/mouse). The reduced zinc plasma level is restored to normal values. These findings support the idea that the effect of melatonin on thymic endocrine activity and peripheral immune functions may be mediated by the zinc pool.

Autoradiographic anomaly in 125I-melatonin binding revealed in ovine adrenal

Conventional in vitro autoradiographical techniques have been used to screen a number of ovine peripheral tissues for the presence of specific 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites. Intense specific labelling (defined as that displaced by 1 microM melatonin) was observed in the adrenal cortex, and less intense specific binding in the spleen. Subsequent attempts to characterize these adrenal binding sites using in vitro binding assays were unsuccessful. The level of specific binding to both crude membranes and to dispersed whole cell preparations was negligible, and was not correlated with increasing protein or cell concentration. Using quantitative in vitro autoradiography, melatonin was found to competitively inhibit 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding to sections of the adrenal cortex, but with a considerably lower affinity (IC50 of 1 microM) than that obtained for the ovine pars tuberalis (IC50 of 150 pM) under identical conditions. These results suggest that under the conditions of in vitro autoradiography, 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binds to a finite number of non-receptor sites which are restricted to the ovine adrenal gland. The ability to visualize these sites in the present study may arise through the use of an inappropriately high excess of unlabelled melatonin (1 microM). Consequently to avoid this potential problem, non-specific labelling should perhaps more appropriately be defined as binding in the presence of a concentration of melatonin at approximately 100-fold the value of the Kd (i.e. 10 nM).

Localization and characterization of [125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in duck gonads

The characterization and localization of [125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in the gonads advances the understanding of possible regulatory sites of melatonin action. With the availability of [125I]iodomelatonin as a biologically active radioligand, our study utilized a combined approach of autoradiography for anatomical resolution together with an established radioligand binding assay to assess mid-light [125I]iodomelatonin binding in the testes and ovaries of ducks. In the autoradiography study, specific [125I]iodomelatonin binding was shown to be homogeneous throughout the testes, while in the ovaries, specific [125I]iodomelatonin binding appeared to be concentrated around the follicle. Radioligand binding assay results indicated a single class of binding sites with the maximum number of [125I]iodomelatonin binding sites measured at 1.91 +/- 0.70 fmol/mg protein in testicular membrane and 4.54 +/- 0.64 fmol/mg protein in ovarian membrane. [125I]Iodomelatonin binding affinity, characterized by equilibrium dissociation constants of 29 +/- 6 pmol/L in testicular membrane and 53 +/- 9 pmol/L in ovarian membrane, was in accordance with circulating melatonin levels, suggesting an appropriate concentration for eliciting a physiological response. [125I]Iodomelatonin binding in duck gonads satisfied all the criteria for a binding site, being rapid, stable, saturable, reversible, specific, and of high affinity, and may indicate a direct pineal-gonadal connection.

Modulation of sympathetic neurotransmission by melatonin

Melatonin is of considerable interest for its regulatory influence on a variety of physiological processes including biological rhythms and neuroendocrine functions. We showed that melatonin potentiates sympathetic neurotransmission in the prostatic portion of the rat vas deferens, by increasing contractions in response to noradrenaline and ATP released by acetylcholine stimulation of presynaptic nicotinic receptors. Melatonin in vitro (100 pg/ml; for 4 h) increased the maximal acetylcholine-induced contraction only when the hypogastric ganglion was present, and this effect was blocked by cycloheximide (100 micrograms/ml). Melatonin also modulated the sympathetic trophic influence on smooth muscle, since it reduced [35S]methionine incorporation into the vas deferens in the hypogastric ganglion-vas deferens preparation. Thus, it is suggested that the regulation of protein synthesis might be one of the mechanisms whereby melatonin modulates endogenous rhythms and synchronizes them to the environmental light cycle.

Characterization of high-affinity melatonin binding sites in purified cell nuclei of rat liver

High-affinity 2-125I-iodomelatonin binding sites in homogenates of purified cell nuclei from rat liver were localized and characterized using biochemical binding techniques. Binding at these sites was found to be rapid, reversible, saturable, and to demonstrate pharmacological selectivity. At 0 degrees C, binding reached equilibrium in about 10 min. Scatchard analysis of the data at equilibrium revealed a single class of binding sites with a dissociation constant of KD = 190 +/- 47 pM, Bmax = 9.8 +/- 0.6 fmol/mg protein, and a Hill coefficient of nH = 1.02 +/- 0.034. Kinetic analysis of the association and dissociation curves indicated a kinetic KD = 148 +/- 41 pM, which is in good agreement with the value obtained at equilibrium. The specific binding of 2-125I-iodomelatonin (45 pM) (0.51 +/- 0.04 fmol/mg protein) was significantly improved (0.79 +/- 0.04 fmol/mg protein) when the homogenates of purified liver cell nuclei were preincubated with DNase (2 micrograms/ml at 37 degrees C for 20 min) before being used in binding experiments. After the addition of either proteinase K or trichloroacetic acid to DNase-treated purified cell nuclear homogenates, the specific binding disappeared. This suggests that the specific binding of 2-125I-iodomelatonin in liver cell nuclei is associated with nuclear protein. Competition experiments show that N-acetyl-serotonin (Ki = 81.3 nM) was more potent than 5-hydroxytryptamine (Ki > 1 microM) and 5-methoxytryptamine (Ki >> 10 microM) in inhibiting 2-125I-iodomelatonin binding (Ki melatonin = 146 pM). These data indicate that specific 2-125I-iodomelatonin binding sites exist in the cell nuclei of rat liver, and that they may comprise a locus for the intracellular action of melatonin. The correlation between the KD and Bmax values with melatonin concentrations in nuclei suggest that these binding sites may be a physiological melatonin receptor, which could explain the described genomic effects of the pineal hormone.

Melatonin receptors: localization, molecular pharmacology and physiological significance

A pre-requisite to understanding the physiological mechanisms of action of melatonin is the identification of the target sites where the hormone acts. The radioligand 2-[125I]iodo-melatonin has been used extensively to localize binding sites in both the brain and peripheral tissues. In general these binding sites have been found to be high affinity, with Kd in the low picomolar range, and selective for structural analogues of melatonin. Also the affinity of these sites can generally be modulated by guanine nucleotides, consistent with the notion that they are putative G-protein coupled receptors. However, only a few studies have demonstrated that these putative receptors mediate biochemical and cellular responses. In the pars tuberalis (PT) and pars distalis (PD) of the pituitary, the amphibian melanophore and vertebrate retina, evidence indicates that melatonin acts to inhibit intracellular cyclic AMP through a G-protein coupled mechanism, demonstrating that this is a common signal transduction pathway for many melatonin receptors. However in the pars distalis the inhibition of calcium influx and membrane potential are also important mediators of melatonin effects. How many different forms or states of the melatonin receptor exist is unknown, but clearly the identification of the structure of the melatonin receptor(s) and its ability to interact with different G-proteins and signal transduction pathways are quintessential to our understanding of the physiological mechanisms of action of melatonin. In parallel the recent development of new melatonin analogues will greatly aid our understanding of the pharmacology of the melatonin receptor both in terms of the development of potent melatonin receptor antagonists and for the definition of receptor sub-types. The wide species and phylogenic diversity of melatonin binding sites in the brain has probably generated more questions than answers. Nevertheless the localization of melatonin receptors to the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus is at least consistent with circadian effects within the foetus and the adult. In contrast the PT of the pituitary presents an enigma in relation to the seasonal effects of melatonin. A model of how melatonin might mediate the timing of the circannual events through the PT is proposed.

Specific 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in the duck adrenal gland

Using 2-[125I]iodomelatonin as the radioligand, putative melatonin receptors in the duck adrenal gland were investigated. 2-[125I]Iodomelatonin binding to the membrane preparations of duck adrenals collected at mid-light was specific, rapid, saturable, stable, reversible and of high affinity. Scatchard analyses showed one class of binding sites with an equilibrium dissociation constant of 27.4 +/- 2.9 pmol/l and a maximum number of binding sites of 3.38 +/- 0.26 fmol/mg protein. Binding of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin in different subcellular fractions demonstrated the following descending order of density: mitochondrial > nuclear > microsomal >>> cytosol. Pharmacological studies indicated that these sites were highly specific to melatonin. As 2-[125I]iodomelatonin is a specific agonist of melatonin, it is proposed that the sites studied are adrenal melatonin receptors.

G-protein linked melatonin binding sites in the chicken lung

[125I]Iodomelatonin binding was first demonstrated in the chicken lung membrane preparations. The binding was saturable, reversible, rapid, and of high affinity. The sites of binding distributed widely in different subcellular fractions except the cytosol fraction. Scatchard plots are linear indicating a dissociation constant (Kd) of 8.11 +/- 0.73 pmol/l and a maximum number of binding sites of 1.29 +/- 0.16 fmol/mg protein (n = 9). The Kd estimated from the kinetic study was 11.2 pmol/l. Guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) significantly increased the Kd values while the density of binding sites was not affected indicating that the binding sites may be linked to a guanine nucleotide binding protein.

Characterization of melatonin binding sites in chicken and human intestines

The radioligand 2-[125I]iodomelatonin was used to study melatonin binding sites in chicken and human intestines. In the chicken duodenum, 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites were enriched in the musculosa layer (Bmax approximately 1 fmol/mg protein) as compared to the mucosa/submucosa layer (Bmax approximately 0.2 fmol/mg protein). 2-[125I]iodomelatonin bound with a Kd of 68 +/- 18 pM (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 13) and was displaced by melatonin with a Ki of 0.3 nM. The Kd value for 2-[125I]iodomelatonin was increased 2- to 4-fold by a GTP analog, suggesting that the binding sites might be coupled to a G-protein. The affinity order of nine melatonin analogs at the enteric binding sites was in agreement with the pharmacological profile of melatonin receptors described in other tissues. In the human jejunum, 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding could be observed in the mucosa/submucosa layer (Kd = 150-200 pM, Bmax = 0.7 fmol/mg protein). The radioligand was efficiently displaced by melatonin (Ki = 0.6 nM) but only marginally by N-acetyltryptamine (Ki = 22 microM) and serotonin (Ki = 14 microM).

Putative melatonin receptors in the male guinea pig kidney

The direct action of pineal melatonin on the renal system is supported by our demonstration of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in the male guinea pig kidney. Scatchard analyses and Hill coefficients revealed a single type of binding site with an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 22.3 +/- 1.6 pmol/l and a maximum binding density (Bmax) of 0.99 +/- 0.03 fmol/mg protein (n = 7) at mid-light. There was no significant difference in the Kd and Bmax values between kidney tissues collected at the middle of light and dark periods. The pharmacological profile of these 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites indicated high specificity for melatonin, 2-iodomelatonin and 6-chloromelatonin while kinetic studies generated a Kd value of 28.4 +/- 7.3 pmol/l (n = 5) which was comparable to that determined from Scatchard transformations. Our results suggest that these binding sites are stable, reversible, saturable, specific, and of high affinity. Regional distribution study showed that specific binding of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin was 8-fold higher in the cortical region than that in the medullary region. Studies of subcellular distribution showed that 59.3% of binding sites were localized in crude nuclear fractions followed by crude mitochondrial fractions (22.3%) and crude microsomal fractions (18.3%) with no detectable binding in cytosolic fractions. Our present findings suggest the presence of putative melatonin receptors in the guinea pig kidney, which support the hypotheses of melatonin-regulated renin secretion together with renal excretory functions via melatonin receptors.

Characteristics of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in the pigeon spleen and modulation of binding by guanine nucleotides

2-[125]Iodomelatonin binding sites in membrane preparations of pigeon spleen have been characterized. The binding was stable, saturable, reversible, and of high affinity. Rosenthal and Hill analyses showed that the radioligand-receptor interaction involved a single class of binding sites. Analysis of the binding results of spleens collected during mid-light revealed an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 36.6 +/- 4.8 pmol/l (mean +/- sem, n = 10) and a maximum density (Bmax) of 2.3 +/- 0.2 fmol/mg protein. There was no significant difference in the Kd (46.9 +/- 5.0 pmol/l) or the Bmax values (2.4 +/- 0.3 fmol/mg protein) for spleens collected during mid-dark (n = 9), although the mid-dark serum and pineal melatonin levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the corresponding mid-light values. Kinetic analysis showed a Kd of 8.6 +/- 2.0 pmol/l (n +/- 4), in agreement with that derived from the saturation studies. Except for inhibition by 2-iodomelatonin, melatonin, 6-chloromelatonin, 6-hydroxymelatonin and N-acetylserotonin, the other indoles or neurotransmitters tested have little inhibition on the binding. In addition, guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiophosphate) (GTP gamma S), a nonhydrolysable analog of GTP, was found to inhibit the binding in a dose-dependent manner. Saturation studies revealed that this is due to a decrease in both the affinity and density of the binding sites. These data suggest that a single type of melatonin receptor is found in the pigeon spleen and that the site is coupled to a guinine nucleotide binding protein (G-protein). Our findings support a direct pineal melatonin action on the immune system.

The effect of para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) on food consumption, food transit time and melatonin levels in the brain and the digestive tract of mice

1. Food consumption (FC), food transit time (FTT) and melatonin levels in the brain and the digestive tract were determined in control and PCPA-treated mice. 2. FC first increased and then rapidly declined; later returned to its original level. 3. FTT was 22% faster in PCPA treated mice on day 1 but then reached the control levels at day 18. 4. Melatonin levels were higher in PCPA treated mice in the brain, and in all GIT tissues, except the stomach. 5. The described data are consistent with some actions observed after serotonin administration. This paradoxical effect of PCPA is explained by a compensatory feedback mechanism.

Characterization of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin-binding sites in quail testes at mid-light and mid-dark

The binding and pharmacological characteristics of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in testis membrane preparations of quails were examined. Scatchard analyses yielded an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 46.6 +/- 8.6 pmol/l and maximum binding capacity (Bmax) of 2.77 +/- 0.20 fmol/mg protein for the gonadal 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites. Except for melatonin, 6-chloromelatonin, 2-iodomelatonin and N-acetylserotonin, all compounds tested elicited no significant inhibition of radioligand binding. Significant diurnal variations were detected in serum melatonin levels of 24-week-old quails while no diurnal difference was detected in the affinities or densities of the gonadal 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in quails. Results of the present study suggest possible direct gonadal action by pineal melatonin in birds.