title: The role of calcium in the regulation of melatonin biosynthesis in the retina.
abstract: Vertebrate retina rhythmically produces melatonin, a hormone involved in the regulation of several intraocular processes cued by environmental lighting conditions. Calcium ions play an important role in the induction process of serotonin N-acetyltransferase (NAT), a key regulatory enzyme in melatonin biosynthetic pathway. The physiological, i.e. nocturnal, increase of NAT activity in the retina depends on transmembrane transport of Ca2+ through the L-type of voltage-sensitive calcium channels. It is suggested that Ca2+ may regulate NAT activity indirectly, by affecting the intracellular cyclic AMP content, which is, in turn, critical in the regulation of melatonin biosynthesis. The mode and mechanisms of Ca2+ action on processes governing melatonin formation in the retina are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University, Lódź, Poland.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Zawilska
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008550:Melatonin / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D012160:Retina / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D008550:Melatonin; D002118:Calcium