Alterations of melatonin secretion in atopic eczema.
The circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion of the pineal gland can be disturbed in a variety of clinical conditions and diseases including some psychic disorders. To study the rhythmic behaviour of melatonin secretion in atopic eczema (AE), melatonin serum levels were measured every 2 h, starting at 8 a.m. in 18 patients suffering from severe AE. In 6 patients exhibiting low serum levels of melatonin, the circadian melatonin rhythm was found to be abolished. In 8 patients a diminished nocturnal melatonin increase was observed compared with the controls (n = 40). Only 4 patients showed a normal secretion pattern of melatonin. The results provide some evidence of a dysfunction of the pineal gland in AE, possibly due to a partially reduced activity of the sympathetic nervous system being involved in the control of melatonin secretion.
Schwarz
W
W
Department of Dermatology, University of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Federal Republic of Germany.
Birau
N
N
Hornstein
O P
OP
Heubeck
B
B
Schönberger
A
A
Meyer
C
C
Gottschalk
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000378:metabolism; D011537:Pruritus / Q000150:complications
D008550:Melatonin