Does melatonin deficiency cause the enlarged genitalia of the fragile-X syndrome?

Abstract

Melatonin profiles were studied in five males with cytogenetic and clinical features of the fragile-X syndrome including megalo-orchidia and macrogenitosomia. In comparison with age-matched normal controls, the fragile-X group showed lower melatonin values and a significant impairment of the nocturnal rise in this hormone. Melatonin deficiency may thus be responsible for some of the phenotypic features of this disorder.

• Authors: J P O'Hare, I A O'Brien, J Arendt, P Astley, W Ratcliffe, H Andrews, R Walters, R J Corrall
• Journal: Clinical endocrinology (Clin Endocrinol (Oxf)) Vol. 24 Issue 3 Pg. 327-33 (Mar 1986) ISSN: 0300-0664 [Print] England
• PMID: 3519008 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Melatonin

Topics

• Aged
• Fragile X Syndrome (blood, etiology, pathology)
• Genitalia, Male (pathology)
• Humans
• Male
• Melatonin (blood, deficiency)
• Middle Aged
• Pedigree
• Penis (pathology)
• Sex Chromosome Aberrations (etiology)
• Testis (pathology)
• Ultrasonography