title: Melatonin as a therapeutic tool in ophthalmology: implications for glaucoma and uveitis.
abstract: Several lines of evidence support the view that increased free radical generation and altered nitric oxide (NO) metabolism play a role in the pathogenesis of highly prevalent ocular diseases, such as glaucoma and uveitis. Data are discussed indicating that melatonin, being an efficient antioxidant that displays antinitridergic properties, has a promising role in the treatment of these ocular dysfunctions. Melatonin synthesis occurs in the eye of most species, and melatonin receptors are localized in different ocular structures. In view of the fact that melatonin lacks significant adverse collateral effects even at high doses, the application of melatonin could potentially protect ocular tissues by effectively scavenging free radicals and excessive amounts of NO generated in the glaucomatous or uveitic eye.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Biochemistry, School of Medicine, CEFyBO, University of Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina. ruthr@fmed.uba.ar
authors.forename: Ruth E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Rosenstein
authors.forename: Seithikurippu R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Pandi-Perumal
authors.forename: Venkataramanujan
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Srinivasan
authors.forename: D Warren
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Spence
authors.forename: Gregory M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Daniel P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Cardinali
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009885:Ophthalmology; D044094:Receptors, Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism; D014605:Uveitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D044094:Receptors, Melatonin; D008550:Melatonin