Seasonal rhythm of melatonin in manic depressive patients
Fanget, F.; Terra, J.L.; Dalery, J.; Brun, J.; Claustrat, B.; Marie-Cardine, M.; Guyotat, J.
L'Encephale 16(3): 197-202
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0013-7006 PMID: 2387242 Document Number: 347809
Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland with a circadian and a circannual rhythm. For some authors the circadian rhythm is modified during depressive states. The present study evaluates the melatonin circannual rhythm in five manic-depressive patients. Each patient is clinically and biologically evaluated every month during one year. The results of the present study show a lack of clinical relapse and a lack of seasonal variation of plasma melatonin level.