Melatonin Receptor

Melatonin receptors are G protein-coupled receptors that respond to melatonin, a hormone primarily produced by the pineal gland, which regulates circadian rhythms and seasonal reproductive cycles. There are two main types, MT1 and MT2, that are widely distributed in the central nervous system and peripheral organs. MT1 receptors influence sleep onset and promote vasoconstriction, while MT2 receptors affect phase shifts in the circadian clock and vasodilation. Targeting these receptors can treat sleep disorders, depression, and seasonal affective disorder, as they play key roles in sleep regulation and mood. Drugs that mimic or block melatonin’s effects on these receptors help synchronize the body's internal clock and improve sleep quality and mood stability.