Pineal graft in old rats improves erythrocyte resistance to peroxyl radical-induced hemolysis.
Pineal graft from young to old rats was performed and red blood cell hemolysis, induced by the water-soluble radical initiator 2,2'-azobis (2-amidino-propane) dihydrochloride (AAPH), was evaluated 6 months after graft. Pineal graft modified the hemolysis curve kinetic profile in grafted rats versus age-matched controls, the 50% hemolysis time as well as the lag time were longer, whereas the maximal amount of hemolysis was lower, and it occurred over a longer period of time. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances production was lower in pineal-grafted rats than in controls and the age-related decrease of erythrocyte membrane fluidity was prevented by pineal graft. The present findings support an important physiological role of pineal gland in preventing age-related alterations of erythrocyte membranes and suggest a possible antioxidant action of melatonin.
Moroni
Fausto
F
INRCA Research Department, Centre of Cytology, Via Birarelli 8, 60121 Ancona, Italy.
Marcheselli
Fiorella
F
Recchioni
Rina
R
Fattoretti
Patrizia
P
Bertoni-Freddari
Carlo
C
D000818:Animals; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D008560:Membrane Fluidity; D010545:Peroxides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000637:transplantation*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D017392:Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances
D010545:Peroxides; D017392:Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; C049375:perhydroxyl radical