Age-Dependent Reduction in Serum Melatonin Concentrations in Healthy Human Subjects

TLDR

Serum melatonin was measured by radioimmunoassay in 81 healthy adults aged 1–92 years. Melatonin levels declined with age, with no sex difference, and the nocturnal rise was blunted in older adults, suggesting age‑related neural regulation of pineal secretion.

Abstract

Serum melatonin concentrations were determined by RIA in 81 healthy humans, aged 1–92 yr. The daytime (0900–1100 h) serum levels of melatonin decreased progressively with advancing age. No sex difference was noted. The nocturnal rise of serum melatonin in the aged group was significantly reduced compared with that in the young group. These results suggest that serum melatonin may be secreted under the agerelated neural control of pineal metabolism.