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Science 13 November 1981:
Vol. 214. no. 4522, pp. 807 - 809
DOI: 10.1126/science.6895262
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Articles

Science, Vol 214, Issue 4522, 807-809
Copyright © 1981 by American Association for the Advancement of Science

articles

Phototherapy-induced hypocalcemia in newborn rats: prevention by melatonin

DO Hakanson and WH Bergstrom

When young rats are exposed to white fluorescent light the concentration of calcium in their serum decreases. This effect is prevented by shielding the occiput, by inhibiting corticosterone synthesis, and by exogenous melatonin. Furthermore, the expected hypocalcemic response to cortisol injection is prevented by melatonin. Light-induced hypocalcemia may result from increased calcium uptake by bone when the blocking effect of melatonin decreases after pineal inhibition by transcranial illumination.




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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)