DOES MELATONIN DEFICIENCY CAUSE THE ENLARGED GENITALIA OF THE FRAGILE‐X SYNDROME?

Abstract

Melatonin profiles were studied in five males with cytogenetic and clinical features of the fragile-X syndrome including megalo-orchidia and macrogenitosomia. In comparison with age-matched normal controls, the fragile-X group showed lower melatonin values and a significant impairment of the nocturnal rise in this hormone. Melatonin deficiency may thus be responsible for some of the phenotypic features of this disorder.