The degree of circadian variation in the secretion of the pineal hormone melatonin, and the time of onset of the major episode of secretion, reflect the chronobiological organization that is important to normal sleep. Deficient melatonin secretion or inappropriate time of onset are associated with sleep disturbances. The secretion of melatonin is difficult to study, since the major secretion episode typically occurs around the time of sleep onset. Most studies of melatonin in relation to sleep have been conducted on subjects fitted with in-dwelling venous catheters. The work would develop a non-invasive, orally-installed device capable of measuring both the degree of nocturnal melatonin secretion, and the approximate time of onset of secretion, with precision suitable for diagnostic and epidemiological use. This work would represent both a novel extension of principles demonstrated earlier in developing a similar device for measurement of corticosteroids, and (for the time-resolution capability) entirely novel principles. Phase II work would focus on testing the new technology in human subjects, with eventual emphasis on use by subjects outside specialized sleep laboratories. Applications would be in chronobiological studies of both sleep disturbances and other disorders.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:In addition to sleep disturbances, menstrual disturbances and affective disorders also involve a component of melatonin dysregulation. The device has significant commercial potential since understanding the etiology of these disorders and managing their treatment involves measurement of melatonin.National Institute on Aging (NIA)
