Melatonin, Aging and Breast Cancer
Abstract
We have developed data demonstrating that the pineal gland, via its hormone melatonin, inhibits the proliferation of both human and animal models of breast cancer. As humans age there is the onset of disrupted sleep leading to a significant suppression in the nocturnal levels of melatonin after age 60. Based on these data we have hypothesized that the decline in pineal melatonin production, with the onset of old age, is a key factor in the age related increase in breast cancer. Using the Buffalo rat as a model, we have begun to characterize the melatonin rhythm in young, middle aged and old female rats. Our studies demonstrate that the nocturnal rise in both serum and pineal melatonin is significantly blunted in old rats compared to middle aged and young rats, and is blunted in middle aged rats compared to young rats. As well, uterine mtl melatonin receptor levels are greatly diminished in old female rats (by 80%) compared to young female rats. Finally, in our preliminary studies, tissue-isolated NMU-induced mammary tumors grew faster in young rats as compared to middle aged rats. However, tumors in middle aged rats are less responsive to the growth-suppressive actions of melatonin.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA408705
Entities
People
- Steven M. Hill
Organizations
- Tulane University of Louisiana