Melatonin Receptors and Serotonin: Age-Related Changes in the Ovaries.

Introduction: Melatonin and serotonin can influence certain aging processes in the ovaries. The main melatonin receptors are represented by types MT1 and MT2. The goal of investigation. Here, we evaluated the expression of genes and synthesis of MT1 and MT2 receptors, as well as serotonin synthesis in the ovaries during ontogenesis.

Methods: We analyzed histological material obtained from the ovaries of infants, women of younger and older reproductive age, premenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women. For the analysis of MT1 and MT2 receptors and serotonin expression and synthesis, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used.

Results: We found that the synthesis of serotonin, as well as MT1 and MT2 receptors in the ovaries significantly decrease in ontogenesis. The sharpest drop in these molecules was observed in samples obtained from one-year-old infants, as well as from pubescent girls and menopausal women. A statistically significant 2.3-7.6-fold decrease in the expression of MTNR1A and MTNR1B genes in the ovaries was also observed in one-year-old infants, in adolescents, and in middle-aged women.

Conclusions: These data are crucial to understanding the fundamental mechanisms of aging of the female reproductive system and the search for molecules predicting its aging.