title: Melatonin in vertebrate retina: biosynthesis, receptors and functions.
abstract: The present review primarily summarizes the cellular and molecular biology of MEL synthesis by the vertebrate retina, and the nature of MEL signal generated in this tissue. Additionally, the current status of retinal MEL receptors as well as physiological roles of this indoleamine within the eye are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical Academy, Lódź, Poland.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Zawilska
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001665:Binding Sites; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003624:Darkness; D008027:Light; D008550:Melatonin / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D044094:Receptors, Melatonin; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter / Q000378:metabolism*; D012160:Retina / Q000378:metabolism*; D014714:Vertebrates
chemical_list: D044094:Receptors, Melatonin; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter; D008550:Melatonin