Neuroprotective effect of melatonin on experimental peripheral nerve injury: an electron microscopic and biochemical study.
OBJECTIVE
Melatonin is an important antioxidant agent with a protective role in the prevention of oxidative stress. We designed an experimental study which focused on the potential neuroprotective effect of melatonin on peripheral nerve injury.


METHODS
Sciatic nerve injury was induced in the mid thigh region of 30 male Wistar rats by clip compression. Melantonin was injected intraperitoneally in 15 of the 30 rats. Electron microscope and biochemical studies were performed to assess the potential beneficial effect of melatonin on peripheral nerve regeneration. Changes to cellular organelles, myelin lamellae and axons were studied.


RESULTS
There was a significant difference between the melatonin and nerve injury groups. Rats treated with melatonin demonstrated significant structural protection of the myelin lamellae compared to the nerve injury group. Axonal shrinkage and myelin changes were not prominent histopathologically in melatonin-treated group. Biochemical analysis confirmed the neuroprotective effects of melatonin with significantly lower lipid peroxidation and myeloperoxidase activity measurements in the melatonin-treated group compared to the neural injury group. The results indicate that melatonin can improve neural healing.


CONCLUSIONS
With its neuroprotective effect, as demonstrated in this experimental peripheral nerve injury, melatonin might be used successfully in clinical practice. Further studies on the correct dosage and possible side effects are necessary.
Daglioglu
E
E
2nd Neurosurgery Clinic, Ankara Numune Research and Educational Hospital, Kuzgun Sok 15/14, A.Ayranci, Ankara 06540, Turkey. edaglioglu@gmail.com
Serdar Dike
M
M
Kilinc
K
K
Erdogan
D
D
Take
G
G
Ergungor
F
F
Okay
O
O
Biyikli
Z
Z
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000378:metabolism; D008550:Melatonin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D015388:Organelles / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D009195:Peroxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000293:injuries / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D009195:Peroxidase; D008550:Melatonin