It is suggested that melatonin and endogenous steroids may mediate the described cyclic alterations of physiological processes. Cyclic variations related to the moon's phases in the magnitude of the humoral immune response of mice to polivinylpyrrolidone and sheep erythrocytes were also described. The lunar cycle also exerts effects on laboratory rats with regard to taste sensitivity and the ultrastructure of pineal gland cells. In birds, the daily variations in melatonin and corticosterone disappear during full-moon days. In fish the lunar clock influences reproduction and involves the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. Animal studies revealed that the lunar cycle may affect hormonal changes early in phylogenesis (insects). However, a number of reports find no correlation between the lunar cycle and human reproduction and admittance to clinics and emergency units. In addition, other events associated with human behavior, such as traffic accidents, crimes, and suicides, appeared to be influenced by the lunar cycle. Admittance to hospitals and emergency units because of various causes (cardiovascular and acute coronary events, variceal hemorrhage, diarrhea, urinary retention) correlated with moon phases. Melatonin levels appear to correlate with the menstrual cycle. The lunar cycle has an impact on human reproduction, in particular fertility, menstruation, and birth rate. Although the seasonal and circadian rhythms have been fairly well described, little is known about the effects of the lunar cycle on the behavior and physiology of humans and animals. Human and animal physiology are subject to seasonal, lunar, and circadian rhythms.
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