Serum and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of melatonin: a pilot study in healthy male volunteers.

Melatonin was determined in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained from 13 healthy males lumbar-punctured in the sitting position without preceding bed rest. There was a significant correlation between the levels of melatonin in serum and the CSF. The serum concentration was lower than that in the CSF, a finding that calls in question the theory that melatonin is mainly released from the pineal gland into the bloodstream. In conclusion, serum levels of melatonin in healthy male volunteers, mirror the CSF concentrations when lumbar puncture is carried out using the described technique.