The population of T lymphocytes producing IL-17 (Th17) plays a dual role during pregnancy and its activity is tightly controlled during this period. One of the factors involved in this process may be the pineal hormone melatonin, which can effectively regulate this T cell population. Here we have shown that exogenous melatonin in pharmacological concentrations is able to enhance the differentiation of Th17 cells of pregnant women in vitro. The stimulatory effects of melatonin were limited to in the first trimester of pregnancy and were apparently mediated by both membrane and nuclear melatonin receptors. Since exogenous melatonin is currently considered as a promising drug in solving various problems associated with reproduction, it is necessary to take into account its immunoregulatory effects.

中文翻译：

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妊娠期间外源褪黑素背景下产生白介素 17 (Th17) 的 T 细胞的分化

产生 IL-17 (Th17) 的 T 淋巴细胞群在妊娠期间发挥双重作用，其活性在此期间受到严格控制。参与这个过程的因素之一可能是松果体激素褪黑激素，它可以有效地调节这个T细胞群。在此我们证明，药理浓度的外源褪黑激素能够在体外增强孕妇Th17细胞的分化。褪黑激素的刺激作用仅限于妊娠前三个月，并且显然是由膜和核褪黑激素受体介导的。由于外源性褪黑激素目前被认为是解决与生殖相关的各种问题的有前途的药物，因此有必要考虑其免疫调节作用。