Skin Lipids in Rats Administered with Melatonin

Effects of the pineal hormone melatonin on skin lipids in Wistar rats were studied by thinlayer chromatography. The reaction was shown to be delayed. Contents of total lipids and the majority of fractions increased over 24 h after administration of melatonin. Concentrations of triglycerides and phospholipids decreased, while the contents of cholesterol, cholesterol esters, and free fatty acids increased by the end of the second day. Our findings indicate that the blood and subcutaneous fat, as well as changed metabolic interrelations of skin lipids are involved in the skin response to increased melatonin concentration.