[Development of concepts on the biochemistry and pharmacology of melanin pigments]

Biochemical principles of pharmacological action melanin, one of the natural cells pigments, are discussed. Melanin is involved into DNA-repair, in the the respiratory chain functioning; it modulates such important systems of the cellular metabolism as photo- end radio protectors. Melanin neutralizes the effect of products of lipid peroxidation and takes part in neurotransmitter processes under numerous pathological processes damaging functional neuron structures. Experimental data cannot often account for the mechanisms of melanin action and therefore systematic analysis of all the data published on melanin pigments is necessary for possible employment of melanins for the pharmacological needs.