open access
Melatonin as a protective agent in spinal cord damage after gamma irradiation
open access
Abstract
Background
Radiation causes serious damage to the spinal cord and several agents are used for protection.
Aim
The aim of this study was to assess the neuro-radioprotective effect of melatonin on the cervical spinal cord.
Materials/Methods
A sample of 32 male adult Wistar albino rats weighing 200–250g was used. They were divided into four groups of eight animals: control, melatonin (30mg/kg per day) and radiation (single Gamma dose of 10Gy) groups and the group that received radiation plus melatonin. After 72 hours, all rats were sacrificed for histopathological analysis of malondialdehyde, glutathione and protein biochemicals.
Results
Malondialdehyde and protein levels were decreased after melatonin treatment while glutathione level was increased (p<0.005). Overall histopathological changes were markedly decreased after melatonin treatment in comparison to radiation group (p<0.05).
Conclusions
In conclusion melatonin may be useful in preventing the spinal cord against radiation toxicity due to its potential for free oxygen radical scavenging.
Abstract
Background
Radiation causes serious damage to the spinal cord and several agents are used for protection.
Aim
The aim of this study was to assess the neuro-radioprotective effect of melatonin on the cervical spinal cord.
Materials/Methods
A sample of 32 male adult Wistar albino rats weighing 200–250g was used. They were divided into four groups of eight animals: control, melatonin (30mg/kg per day) and radiation (single Gamma dose of 10Gy) groups and the group that received radiation plus melatonin. After 72 hours, all rats were sacrificed for histopathological analysis of malondialdehyde, glutathione and protein biochemicals.
Results
Malondialdehyde and protein levels were decreased after melatonin treatment while glutathione level was increased (p<0.005). Overall histopathological changes were markedly decreased after melatonin treatment in comparison to radiation group (p<0.05).
Conclusions
In conclusion melatonin may be useful in preventing the spinal cord against radiation toxicity due to its potential for free oxygen radical scavenging.
Keywords
melatonin; free radical; radiation protection; MDA; GSH
About this articleTitle
Melatonin as a protective agent in spinal cord damage after gamma irradiation
Journal
Reports of Practical Oncology and Radiotherapy
Issue
Pages
95-99
Published online
2007-03-01
DOI
10.1016/S1507-1367(10)60045-4
Bibliographic record
Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2007;12(2):95-99.
Keywords
melatonin
free radical
radiation protection
MDA
GSH
Authors
Sara Aghazadeh
Mahnaz Azarnia
Alireza Shirazi
Seied Rabie Mahdavi
Bagher Minaee Zangii