In the patient with hyperhidrosis, a prominent melatonin rhythm was observed preoperatively in the CSF and plasma. After bilateral T1-T2 ganglionectomy, however, melatonin levels were markedly reduced, and the diurnal rhythm was abolished. These results provide direct evidence in humans for a diurnal melatonin rhythm in CSF and plasma as well as regulation of this rhythm by sympathetic innervation.
J Bruce, L Tamarkin, C Riedel, S Markey and E Oldfield
Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Vol 72, 819-823, Copyright © 1991 by Endocrine Society