Melatonin synthesis: a possible indicator of intolerance to shiftwork.
OBJECTIVE
Melatonin synthesis, which is directly controlled by the central circadian pacemaker indicates the circadian phase better than rectal temperature.


METHODS
Thirty four men (16-32 years, 7 morning, 13 neither, 14 evening types) performed a constant routine (24-26-hr bedrest, < 30 lux, 18-20 degrees C, hourly isocaloric diet). Salivary melatonin level was determined hourly and rectal temperature was continuously recorded.


RESULTS
The nadir of rectal temperature occurred 1.5 hr (P = 0.017), the onset of melatonin synthesis 3 hr earlier (P < 0.0001) in morning than in evening types. Morningness was not related to the quantitative but significantly to the temporal parameters, closer to those of melatonin than of rectal temperature.


CONCLUSIONS
The melatonin onset is a more reliable indicator of the diurnal type than the nadir of rectal temperature. As morningness has been associated with intolerance to shiftwork, melatonin profiling provides a suitable basis for the establishment of directed preventive measures.
Griefahn
Barbara
B
Institute for Occupational Physiology at the University of Dormund, Ardeystr. 67, Dortmund, Germany. griefahn@ifado.de
Künemund
Christa
C
Golka
Klaus
K
Thier
Ricarda
R
Degen
Gisela
G
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012007:Rectum / Q000502:physiology; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*
D008550:Melatonin