The pineal gland development and its physiology in fetus and neonate

Melatonin is an indoleamine produced by the pineal gland and secreted in a circadian manner. In the past few decades, research into melatonin has increased. Melatonin has many important roles in human physiology: regulator of circadian rhythms, sleep inducer, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic. The pineal gland develops completely after birth, so both the embryo and fetus are dependent on the maternal melatonin provided trans placentally. Melatonin receptors are widespread in the embryo and fetus since early stages. There is solid evidence that melatonin is neuroprotective and has a positive effect on the outcome of compromised pregnancies. Also, chrono disruption leads to reproductive dysfunction. Thus the influence of melatonin on the developing human fetus may not be limited to entertaining circadian rhythmicity, but further studies are needed