Background: Classically, the function of the pineal gland involved the regulation of several endocrine and non-endocrine functions, such as seasonal breeding, biological rhythm synchronization and the sleep/wake cycle. The study of the pineal gland has not a new increasing interest due to the recent discovery that melatonin is the most potent antioxidant compound known to date.
Material and methods: We present here the data of aMT levels (mean +/- SD, pg/ml) measured by RIA in healthy children grouped by age and time of sample extraction. The group differences are evaluated by a mean comparison test.
Results: The results showed that plasma levels of aMT in cord blood reflect both the aMT levels and their circadian rhythm seen in the mother, without significant differences between umbilical artery and vein. In children between 18 months and 6 years of age, aMT concentrations at 09.00 reaches a maximum of 60.8 +/- 100.58. This value significantly decreased in children between 6-8 years old (35.54 +/- 9.17, p < 0.001), with a more significant decrease in children 8-13 years old (25.28 +/- 7.16, p < 0.01). However, in children 13-15 years of age, aMT concentrations increased to 31.14 +/- 8.29 pg/ml (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Our data support the existence of a functional pineal gland during the neonatal period, although it lacks the rhythmic secretion of aMT. From the preschool stage, children show a significant decrease in aMT concentration, except during the pubertal period when there is a small increase in aMT levels. In this paper we also review the available information about pineal function, specifically in regards to the relationship between pineal-melatonin and CURRENT PEDIATRICS in order to better understand the infant physiology and physiopathology related to this area.