title: The neuroprotective effect of melatonin against the induction of c-Jun phosphorylation by 6-hydroxydopamine on SK-N-SH cells.
abstract: Melatonin is synthesized mainly in pineal gland. It has been suggested that melatonin has proven antioxidant effects and protective effects against neuronal cell degeneration. There are several studies indicating that c-Jun-N-terminal kinase pathways might be involved in neuronal cell death. In this study, the effects of melatonin on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-treated cultured SK-N-SH cells were investigated. The results showed that 6-OHDA significantly decreased cell viability as determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and melatonin was able to reverse the toxic effects of 6-OHDA on cell viability. In addition, induction of c-Jun phosphorylation by 6-OHDA was diminished by melatonin. These results demonstrate some protective properties of melatonin against neuronal cell degeneration and its action on the inhibition of c-Jun-N terminal kinase signaling cascade.
authors.affiliation: Neuro-Behavioural Biology Center, Institute of Science and Technology for Research and Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakornpathom 73170, Thailand.
authors.forename: Banthit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chetsawang
authors.forename: Piyarat
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Govitrapong
authors.forename: Manuchair
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ebadi
mesh_terms: D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D048031:JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D008550:Melatonin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016627:Oxidopamine / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010766:Phosphorylation / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D016627:Oxidopamine; D048031:JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; D008550:Melatonin