@article{oai:hirosaki.repo.nii.ac.jp:00003555,
 author = {Kachi, Takashi and Kurushima, Michihiro},
 issue = {3/4},
 journal = {弘前医学},
 month = {Jun},
 note = {application/pdf, Since the pineal hormone, melatonin, has been found also in the gut, pineal-digestive organ relations were
reviewed mainly in relation to physiological and pathophysiological significance of melatonin. Melatonin is transferred
from the blood into the saliva and from the intestinal lumen into the blood. Other surveyed subjects include: 1.
Contents, synthesis and receptors of melatonin in different regions of the digestive tract, its metabolism in the liver
and their changes by various conditions; 2. Effects of melatonin or pinealectomy on structures, development, and
functions of various organs in the digestive system, and preventive effects of melatonin on experimental lesions including
gastric ulcer, ulcerative colitis, diabetes mellitus and organ transplantations. These subjects, including mechanisms
of melatonin actions, were discussed. The gastrointestinal tract appears to have a dual system of control by melatonin:
local control by paracrine or autocrine secretion from gastroenterochromaffin cells and circadian rhythmic control
from the pineal. It is likely that melatonin-digestive organ relations are implicated in the adaptive-defensive mechanism
by which the body copes with internal and external environmental factors like not only light-dark and oxidative
stress but also temperature, water, food and activity of microorganisms, etc. relating to the light-dark environment., 弘前医学. 51(3/4), 2000, p.93-108},
 pages = {93--108},
 title = {<Review> Pineal-Digestive Organ Relations : Physiological and Pathophysiological Significance of Melatonin in the Digestive System},
 volume = {51},
 year = {2000}
}