Levels of oxidative stress parameters and the protective effects of melatonin in psychosis model rat testis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of melatonin on antioxidant enzyme levels and histopathologic changes in dizocilpine (MK-801)-induced psychosis model rat testis.


METHODS
A total of 24 adult male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into three groups with 8 in each. Group I was used as control. Rats in Group II were injected with MK-801 (0.5 mg/kg body weight i.p. for 5 days). In addition to MK-801, melatonin (50 mg/kg body weight i.p. once a day for 5 days) was injected into the rats in Group III. The testes were harvested bilaterally for biochemical and histopathological examinations. Antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and nitric oxide (NO) levels in testicular tissues were analyzed using spectrophotometric analysis methods. Histopathological examinations of the testes were also performed.


RESULTS
MK-801 induced testicular damage, which resulted in significant oxidative stress (OS) by increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes. The malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and NO levels were increased in testicular tissues of rats. Treatment with melatonin led to significant decrease in oxidative injury. Administration of melatonin also reduced the detrimental histopathologic effects caused by MK-801.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the present study showed that MK-801 cause OS in testicular tissues of rats and treatment with melatonin can reduce the harmful effects of MK-801.
Parlaktas
Bekir S
BS
Department of Urology, Gaziosmanpasa University School of Medicine, Mevlana Sitesi, 2. Blok, Kat:2, No:5, Tokat, Turkey. bsuha@mynet.com
Ozyurt
Birsen
B
Ozyurt
Huseyin
H
Tunc
Ayten T
AT
Akbas
Ali
A
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D016291:Dizocilpine Maleate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D008550:Melatonin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects*; D050050:Protein Carbonylation; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology*
D000975:Antioxidants; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D016291:Dizocilpine Maleate; D008550:Melatonin