Inmaculada Tasset,
Eduardo Agüera,
Rosa Olmo-Camacho,
Begoña Escribano,
Fernando Sánchez-López,
María J Delgado,
Antonio H Cruz, Felix Gascón,
Evelio Luque,
José Peña,
Ignacio M Jimena,
Isaac Túnez
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ABSTRACT: This study sought to determine whether melatonin causes changes in neurotrophic factors and it protects against the mycotoxin 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) in brain tissue.
Rats were given 3-NP over four consecutive days (20 mg/kg BW), while melatonin was administered over 21 days (1 mg/kg/BW), starting after the last injection of 3-NP.
Rats treated with 3-NP displayed significant changes in neurotrophic factor (BDNF and GDNF) levels, together with alterations in behavior; they also displayed extensive oxidative stress and a massive neuronal damage.
Melatonin improved behavioral alterations, reduced oxidative damage, lowered neurotrophic factor levels and neuronal loss in 3-NP-treated rats. These results suggest that melatonin exerts a neuroprotective action.
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry 09/2011; 35(8):1944-9. · 3.25 Impact Factor
