Mood Emot.  2019 Jul;17(2):41-48. 10.0000/me.2019.17.2.41.

Changes of the Melatonergic System in Bipolar Disorder: A Literature Review

• Lee JH
• Moon E

• KMID: 2455382
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/me.2019.17.2.41

Abstract

Recently, melatonergic agents have been gaining much interest in the treatment of mood disorders. The elucidation of the underlying biological mechanisms related to the melatonergic system in mood disorders is warranted to ensure the proper use of melatonergic agents. Changes of the melatonergic system have been investigated in several studies of patients with bipolar disorder (BP) and depression. Accumulating evidence has indicated that patients with BP might exhibit abnormal melatonin secretion patterns, increased light-induced melatonin suppression, altered pineal gland volume, genetically abnormal melatonin synthesis enzyme, and modified melatonin receptors. In this review, the findings of studies performed to explore the association between the melatonergic system and BP are discussed. Moreover, the interpretations and limitations of these findings are described.

Keyword

Bipolar disorder; Depression; Melatonin; Melatonin receptor; Pineal gland

MeSH Terms

Bipolar Disorder*
Depression
Humans
Melatonin
Mood Disorders
Pineal Gland
Receptors, Melatonin
Melatonin
Receptors, Melatonin