Neuroprotective Effect of Melatonin in the Hippocampus of Rat’s Brain in Normal Aging Model,
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- Category: Vol. 84, March 2016
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Neuroprotective Effect of Melatonin in the Hippocampus of Rat’s Brain in Normal Aging Model, SUZAN M. HAZZAA and GEHAN EL-AKABAWY
Abstract
Background: Aging can be defined as decrease or loss of adaptation with increasing age. In aging nervous system goes through natural changes. Slowing of memory and thinking is a normal part of aging. It may be due to neurodegeneration in the brain cells specially hippocampus. Melatonin is a hormone produced inside the human body. It is a strong antioxidant protecting the body against noxious agents. It is hypothesized that decrease melatonin level during aging may be responsible for aging process.
Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin on age associated memory deficit and neurodegen-eration.
Methods: Twenty seven male Wister albino rats, weighing 150-400gm were used in the present study. They were divided into 3 equal groups (each of 9 rats) as follow: I) Control (adult) group: Rats in this group aged from 3-4 months, II) Aged group: Rats in this group aged 22-24 months, III) Melatonin-treated group: In this group aged rats were given melatonin orally 10mg/kg once daily in 1% ethanol for 4 weeks. The following parameters were measured in all groups: Memory test by Barnes maze, histological examination and quantitative assessments of the hippocampi, measurements of Malondialdahyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase activity (SOD) and Advanced Glycation End product (AGEs) in the brain homogenate.
Results: The present study revealed that melatonin admin-istration to aging rats significantly improved age associated hippocampal neurodegeneration, the oxidative stress in the hippocampus by decreasing MDA level and elevation of SOD level and significantly decreased AGEs in the hippocampus.