The Human Phase Response Curve (Prc) to Melatonin is About 12 Hours out of Phase with the Prc to Light

作者：Alfred J. Lewy, Vance K. Bauer, Saeeduddin Ahmed, Katherine Hendricks Thomas, Neil L. Cutler, Clifford M. Singer, Mary T. Moffit, Robert L. Sack · 发表于：Chronobiology International · 年份：1998 · DOI：10.3109/07420529808998671 · 被引用次数：365 · 研究领域：Circadian rhythm and melatonin、Thermoregulation and physiological responses、Sleep and Wakefulness Research

Melatonin's timekeeping function is undoubtedly related to the fact that it is primarily produced during nighttime darkness; that is, melatonin and light occur at opposite times. The human phase response curve (PRC) to melatonin appears to be about 12h out of phase with the PRC to light. These striking complementarities, together with light's acute suppressant effect on melatonin production, suggest that a function for endogenous melatonin is to augment entrainment of the circadian pacemaker by the light-dark cycle. The melatonin PRC also indicates correct administration times for using exogenous melatonin to treat circadian phase disorders.