title: [Levels of melatonin in serum of patients with retinitis pigmentosa].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To elucidate melatonin secretion through the pineal gland in patients with night blindness.
  
  
  METHODS
  Blood samples for melatonin RIA assay were taken from 14 patients at 8 o'clock a.m. and p.m., before and after 3 weeks therapy with Trental, Cocarboxylase and vitamin B12.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Usual rhythm of melatonin secretion was demonstrated. The applied treatment influenced melatonin secretion in the youngest group of patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Damage of the photoreceptors in the retina affects melatonin secretion and its circadian rhythm.
authors.affiliation: Katedry i Zakładu Patofizjologii Slaskiej AM w Zabrzu.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Banaś
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Buntner
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Niebrój
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ostrowska
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000378:metabolism; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012174:Retinitis Pigmentosa / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D008550:Melatonin