Horm Metab Res 2007; 39(4): 310-311
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-973815
Short Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Elevation of Salivary Melatonin Levels by Viewing a Humorous Film in Patients with Atopic Eczema

H. Kimata 1
  • 1Department of Allergy, Moriguchi-Keijinkai Hospital, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

received 21. 8. 2006

accepted 3. 11. 2006

Publication Date:
19 April 2007 (online)

Introduction

Patients with atopic eczema (AE) frequently suffer from sleep disturbance generated by itching and/or mental stress [1]. Although melatonin is involved in sleep, only one study has reported about reduction of plasma melatonin levels in adults with AE [2]. However, there were no reports on melatonin regulation in children with AE.

Melatonin production is reduced by stress, while IFN-γ increases melatonin production [3] [4]. In AE patients, IFN-γ production was low compared to those in healthy subjects. Stress further decreased the IFN-γ production, while viewing humorous film counteracted stress-induced decrease in IFN-γ production [5] [6]. It was reported that salivary melatonin levels were correlated with plasma melatonin levels [7]. Therefore, we studied the effect of viewing humorous film on salivary melatonin and IFN-γ levels, and sleep disturbance in children with AE.

References

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Correspondence

H. KimataMD., Ph.D. 

Department of Allergy

Moriguchi-Keijinkai Hospital

2-47-12 Yagumo-Higashimachi

Moriguchi City

Osaka Prefecture

570-0021

Japan

Phone: +81/6/9606 90 00

Fax: +81/6/9606 95 00

Email: kimata-keijinkai@mkc.zaq.ne.jp