Ioana Cristina Amihăesei 1, Elena Cojocaru 1, O.C. Mungiu 2
1 Conf. univ. dr. Disciplina Histologie, U.M.F. “Gr. T. Popa” Iaşi
1 Asist. univ. drd. Disciplina Histologie, U.M.F. “Gr. T. Popa” Iaşi
2 Prof. univ. dr. şeful disciplinei de Farmacologie, Toxicologie, Algeziologie, U.M.F. “Gr. T. Popa” Iaşi
Abstract
The drop of the melatonin secretion is so obvious with aging, that the plasma level of melatonin is one of the criteria used to establish the biological age of the individual. The maximum secretion of melatonin from the pineal gland, takes place at 2 a.m. in healthy young adults and at approximately 3 a.m. in old subjects. The jet -lag syndrome is caused by too rapid crossing of numerous meridians, by plane, especially when the flight is on the direction east-west. It is characterized by disturbances of the wake-sleep cycles, with intense fatigue, insomnia, irritability and decrease of the immunity. Besides the treatment of the jet-lag, melatonin is used for the improvement of the sleep condition and for the treatment of sleep disturbances of the old individuals. Altered electromagnetic fields, such as high voltage lines and ELF transmission (extremely low frequency fields) are also affecting melatonin secretion and circadian rhythms. The benefits of melatonin in the treatment of malignant tumors is still studied. The melatonin secretion is altered during acute and also chronic stress. The dose is strictly individual, as well as the timing, for the administration of melatonin, otherwise a severe jet-lag syndrome may develop.