RT Journal Article
T1 Melatonin and the control of intraocular pressure
A1 Alkozi, Hanan Awad
A1 Navarro, Gemma
A1 Franco, Rafael
A1 Pintor, Jesús
AB Melatonin is not only synthesized by the pineal gland but by several ocular structures. This natural indoleamine is of great importance for regulating several eye processes, among which pressure homeostasis is included. Glaucoma, the most prevalent eye disease, also known as the silent thief of vision, is a multifactorial pathology that is associated to age and, often, to intraocular hypertension (IOP). Indeed IOP is the only modifiable risk factor and as such medications are available to control it; however, novel medications are sought to minimize undesirable side effects. Melatonin and analogues decrease IOP in both normotensive and hypertensive eyes. Melatonin activates its cognate membrane receptors, MT1 and MT2, which are present in numerous ocular tissues, including the aqueous-humor-producing ciliary processes. Melatonin receptors belong to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors and their activation would lead to different signalling pathways depending on the tissue. This review describes the molecular mechanisms underlying differential functionalities that are attributed to melatonin receptors. Accordingly, the current work highlights the important role of melatonin and its analogues in the healthy and in the glaucomatous eyes, with special attention to the control of intraocular pressure.
PB Elsevier
SN 1350-9462
YR 2019
FD 2019-09-25
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/13873
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/13873
LA eng
NO Received 3 June 2019, Revised 13 September 2019, Accepted 18 September 2019, Available online 25 September 2019.
NO Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad de España
NO Ministerio de Sanidad de España
NO RETICS
DS Docta Complutense
RD 19 dic 2025