Ontogeny of circadian rhythmicity for melatonin, serotonin, and N-acetylserotonin in humans

J Pineal Res. 1986;3(3):251-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.1986.tb00747.x.

Abstract

The serum concentration of melatonin, serotonin, and N-acetylserotonin were measured by RIA procedures in 28 infants aged 1 week to 9 months. Blood specimens were obtained at 12:00 hr and 24:00 hr. A day-night difference in serum serotonin was present immediately after birth. A significant (P less than 0.001) decrease in serum serotonin concentrations at 12:00 hr and 24:00 hr was observed from the first month of age to the third to ninth month of age. A significant (P less than 0.05) difference in day-night N-acetylserotonin concentration is first seen at age 1-3 months. Serum melatonin concentrations, though detectable, did not show any day-night difference at birth. Melatonin concentrations progressively increased up to the third month of age, and a significant (P less than 0.01) day-night difference appeared thereafter. The results indicate that in humans the circadian organization for serotonin already exists at birth, and the circadian melatonin rhythm develops after birth.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Circadian Rhythm*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Melatonin / blood*
  • Serotonin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Serotonin / blood*

Substances

  • Serotonin
  • Melatonin
  • N-acetylserotonin