How Can Melatonin Extend Life Span?
The pineal gland communicates with every cell of the body through its primary hormone, melatonin. Most hormones need a receptor on the cell membrane before they can enter the cell. Not so for melatonin. As the pineal gland releases melatonin, it quickly goes into the local bloodstream and then into general circulation. From there, melatonin finds its way to every body fluid and tissue. Melatonin has the unusual capacity to easily permeate tissues and enter practically every cell of the body. When melatonin enters the cells, it goes into every compartment, including the nucleus. Researchers speculate that the amount of melatonin reaching the DNA of each cell informs that cell as to which proteins to make. The November 1994 Journal of Biological Chemistry reported that researchers Becker-Andre and colleagues found a specific receptor for melatonin right in the nucleus of cells. They conclude, “A nuclear signaling pathway for melatonin may contribute to some of the diverse and profound ef
