Pharmacological actions of melatonin in oxygen radical pathophysiology

摘要: Melatonin, the chief secretory product of pineal gland, was recently found to be a free radical scavenger and antioxidant. This review briefly summarizes published reports supporting this conclusion. Melatonin is believed work via electron donation directly detoxify radicals such as highly toxic hydroxyl radical. Additionally, in both vitro vivo experiments, melatonin has been protect cells, tissues organs against oxidative damage induced by variety generating agents processes, e.g., carcinogen safrole, lipopolysaccharide, kainic acid, Fenton reagents, potassium cyanide, L-cysteine, excessive exercise, glutathione depletion, carbon tetrachloride, ischemia-reperfusion, MPTP, amyloid beta (25-35 amino acid residue) protein, ionizing radiation. an antioxidant effective protecting nuclear DNA, membrane lipids possibly cytosolic proteins from damage. Also, reported alter activities enzymes which improve total antioxidative defense capacity organism, i.e., superoxide dimutase, peroxidase, reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, nitric oxide synthase. Most studies have used pharmacological concentrations or doses damage; few physiological levels indole shown beneficial stress. Melatonin's function likely assisted ease with it crosses morphophysiological barriers, blood-brain barrier, enters cells subcellular compartments. Whether quantity produced vertebrate species sufficient significantly influence organism remains unknown, but its benefits seem assured considering low toxicity molecule.