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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Do Photoperiodic Changes In Melatonin Secretion Detrimentally Affect The Female Reproductive Cycle?, Riki Szlafrok Jan 2012

Do Photoperiodic Changes In Melatonin Secretion Detrimentally Affect The Female Reproductive Cycle?, Riki Szlafrok

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Melatonin, better known as "the hormone of darkness," is secreted by the pineal gland during the night and helps us fall asleep. Because its internal regulation depends on light, melatonin is part of chronobiology, the study of biological mechanisms and their adaptations to lunar and solar related rhythms (Klein et al. 1991). Therefore, photoperiod changes greatly impact melatonin concentration, influencing changes in neuronal and hormonal mechanisms of the photo neuro-endocrine systems, namely reproduction. Research has shown that a disruption in the circadian rhythm of melatonin due to photoperiod changes detrimentally affects the rhythmic function of the female reproductive cycle. Research …


Melatonin And Its Effect On Learning And Memory, Nechama Leah Bauman (Cahn) Jan 2012

Melatonin And Its Effect On Learning And Memory, Nechama Leah Bauman (Cahn)

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Melatonin is a neurohormone produced by the pineal gland and secreted into the body in a circadian rhythm. Melatonin is known to be involved in many vital body functions, including sleep, reproduction, and immune response. Exogenous melatonin, sold as over the counter natural supplements in drugstores, is commonly taken by many people to help cure various ailments. Melatonin also plays a role in the hippocampus. This paper investigates the effects of melatonin on long-term potentiation in the hippocampus. Long-term potentiation, described as a long-lasting strengthening of synapses between nerve cells, is thought to be responsible for long-term memory retention. It …


How Biological And Non-Biological Disease Modifying Drugs Are Used In The Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Esther Mantel Jan 2012

How Biological And Non-Biological Disease Modifying Drugs Are Used In The Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Esther Mantel

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

The following is an excerpt from the introduction to this article: Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term disease that leads to chronic inflammation of the joints and the surrounding tissue. Effects of the inflammation are pain and destruction of the bone and cartilage, which leads to severe disability and, possibly, shorter life expectancy. That is why early diagnosis and aggressive treatment is a fundamental strategy to stop the progression of the disease and suppress the inflammation before the damage is irreversible.