Clinical Use of Melatonin in Birds_

摘要

Recent studies in birds have shown that melatonin stimulates the release of hypothalamic gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnlH), a newly discovered neuropeptide hormone that down-regulates GnRH, inhibiting the synthesis and release of LH and FSH. In addition to the brain, melatonin receptors are found elsewhere in the avian body, including the gonads. In the author's practice, three of four birds treated for aggression, one out of three birds treated for undesired hormonal behavior, and two out of four birds treated for anxiety appeared to respond to treatment based on client feedback. No clinical improvement was observed in any of 14 birds treated for feather destructive behavior. Further investigation into clinical use of melatonin in avian species is warranted.