[The effect of melatonin on prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis and secretion]

Abstract

This paper reviews the data on the role of the pineal gland and melatonin in the regulation of hypothalamo-adenohypophysial system activity. The results of in vivo and in vitro experiments show that the effect of melatonin on prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis and secretion depends on the animal species, age, sex, the concentration of the hormone, and experimental conditions. Moreover, the melatonin-responsive pars tuberalis of the pituitary is an intermediary in the control of prolactin secretion, while the melatonin-binding sites of the mediobasal hypothalamus are involved in the gonadotropic response to melatonin.