Immunomodulatory role of melatonin: specific binding sites in human and rodent lymphoid cells

The evidence that supports the hypothesis of the existence of specific binding sites for melatonin on immune cells, described in human blood lymphocytes and granulocytes, and thymus, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius, is reviewed.

Abstract

This paper reviews the evidence that supports the hypothesis of the existence of specific binding sites for melatonin on immune cells. These binding sites have been described in human blood lymphocytes and granulocytes, and thymus, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius from different rodents and birds. The dissociation constant values of these binding sites are in the 0.1-1 nM range, suggesting that melatonin may play a physiological role in lymphocyte regulation. Moreover, melatonin binding sites appear to be modulated by guanine nucleotides. Therefore, in addition to other mechanisms described for the regulation of immune function by melatonin, a direct mechanism of regulation can be involved via binding of melatonin by immunocompetent cells.