Melatonin in retinal pathophysiology

ROSENSTEIN RE

Melatonin: from Molecules to Therapy.

Nova Science Publishers

Lugar: New York; Año: 2007; p. 283 - 294

Numerous studies have firmly established that melatonin synthesis occurs in the retina of vertebrates, including mammals. The retinal biosynthesis of melatonin and the mechanisms involved in the regulation of this process have been extensively studied. In contrast, the full range of physiological actions of retinal melatonin is far from being completely known. The present review focuses on the involvement of melatonin in retinal pathophysiology. In particular, the influence of melatonin on retinal neurochemistry, as well as the potential use of melatonin as a therapeutic tool in some ocular diseases is discussed. The results summarized in the present chapter indicate that melatonin could provide widespread modulatory influences on retinal pathophysiology. Further investigations on the effects of melatonin at retinal level may unveil central concepts of light processing, neuroprotection, and retinal therapeutic.