Capturing the circadian rhythms of free-running blind people with 0.5 mg melatonin

Brain Res. 2001 Nov 9;918(1-2):96-100. doi: 10.1016/s0006-8993(01)02964-x.

Abstract

We have recently shown that six of seven totally blind people (who had free-running circadian rhythms with periods longer than 24 h) could be entrained (synchronized) to a nightly dose of 10 mg melatonin. After treatment discontinuation and re-entrainment to the 10 mg dose, we further found in three of these subjects that the dose could be gradually reduced to 0.5 mg without loss of effect. The question then arose: can a de novo (starting) dose of 0.5 mg initially capture free-running rhythms? Following withdrawal of the stepped-down 0.5 mg dose and consequent release into a free-run, the same three individuals were given 0.5 mg of melatonin de novo. All entrained within a few weeks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biological Clocks / drug effects*
  • Biological Clocks / physiology
  • Blindness / complications*
  • Blindness / metabolism
  • Blindness / physiopathology
  • Circadian Rhythm / drug effects*
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melatonin / administration & dosage*
  • Melatonin / adverse effects
  • Melatonin / blood
  • Middle Aged
  • Pineal Gland / metabolism
  • Pineal Gland / physiopathology
  • Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / drug therapy*
  • Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / etiology*
  • Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / physiopathology
  • Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / drug effects
  • Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / metabolism
  • Visual Pathways / injuries
  • Visual Pathways / physiopathology

Substances

  • Melatonin