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  • Title: Effect of ageing on melatonin synthesis induced by 5-hydroxytryptophan and constant light in rats.
    Author: McIntyre IM, Oxenkrug GF.
    Journal: Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry; 1991; 15(4):561-6. PubMed ID: 1749832.
    Abstract:
    1. This paper describes the effect of the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on pineal melatonin synthesis young and old rats. 2. 5-HTP itself increased pineal melatonin levels in old rats but did not change melatonin concentrations in young rats kept under 12 hr/12 hr light/dark conditions. 3. After continuous exposure to light for 72 hrs, 5-HTP induced a significant increase in melatonin levels in young rats but did not change the 5-HTP effect on melatonin in old animals. 4. These results are discussed in consideration of previous reports of altered beta-receptor up-regulation by light in old animals, and suggest that the age-related decrease in melatonin synthesis is not entirely related to changes of the enzymatic machine for melatonin synthesis.
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