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Melatonin and Immune Functions

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The Pineal Gland and Cancer

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Abstract

Evidence has accumulated suggesting that melatonin, the major endocrine product of the pineal gland - as a well-preserved molecule through evolution - is involved in the feedback between neuroendocrine and immune functions. At present, we are beginning to understand the mechanisms of action by which melatonin affects cellular functions. In this article, we present a critical review of the numerous reports on the influence of melatonin on immune functions, focussing especially on possible underlying molecular pathways.

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  1. Peter M. Liebmann
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  2. Albert Wölfler
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  3. Konrad Schauenstein
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Research in Medical and Natural Sciences, University of Tübingen, Ob dem Himmelreich 7, Tübingen, 72074, Germany

    Christian Bartsch  & Hella Bartsch  & 

  2. Laboratory of Experimental Neuroendocrinology/Oncology, Bassett Research Institute, One Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, USA

    David E. Blask Ph.D.,M.D. (Senior Research Scientist) (Senior Research Scientist)

  3. Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Buenos Aires, 121, Argentina

    Daniel P. Cardinali M.D.,Ph.D.

  4. WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, University of South Carolina, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC, 29209, USA

    William J. M. Hrushesky M.D. (Director of Research (151) (Director of Research (151)

  5. Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 4, Tübingen, 72076, Germany

    Dieter Mecke (Director) (Director)

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© 2001 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Liebmann, P.M., Wölfler, A., Schauenstein, K. (2001). Melatonin and Immune Functions. In: Bartsch, C., Bartsch, H., Blask, D.E., Cardinali, D.P., Hrushesky, W.J.M., Mecke, D. (eds) The Pineal Gland and Cancer. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-59512-7_19

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-59512-7_19

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-64003-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-59512-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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