Pineal melatonin biosynthesis is regulated
by the circadian clock located in the suprachiasmatic
nucleus of the hypothalamus. Melatonin has been
found to modulate the learning and memory process
in human as well as in animals. Endogenous melatonin
modulates the process of newly acquired information
into long-term memory, while melatonin
treatment has been found to reduce memory deficits
in elderly people and in various animal models.
However, the mechanisms mediating the enhancing
effect of melatonin on memory remain elusive. This
review intends to explore the possible mechanisms
by looking at previous data on the effects of melatonin
treatment on memory performance in rodents