N-acetyl-serotonin reduces copper (I) ion-induced lipid peroxidation in bovine retinal homogenates

Chalcosis is an ocular condition caused by penetration injury of copper or its alloy, which leads to extensive ocular inflammation. N-acetyl-serotonin has recently been identified as a potent antioxidant against free radical stress. In this study, we determined the efficacy of N-acetyl-serotonin against the copper (I)-induced retinal lipid peroxidation.

Copper (I)-treated (100 microM) bovine retinal homogenates were incubated with 6 different concentrations (i.e. 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00 and 4.00 mM) of N-acetyl-serotonin or vitamin E. The malondialdehyde level was measured as an index of lipid peroxidation.

Copper (I) ions induced a significant dose-dependent increase in malondialdehyde (p=0.007). Co-incubation with N-acetyl-serotonin or vitamin E significantly suppressed the copper (I)-induced malondialdehyde production (p<0.0001). The concentration to inhibit 50% of damage for N-acetyl-serotonin and vitamin E were found to be 1.54 mM and 0.45 mM, respectively.

Although N-acetyl-serotonin is only 29% as effective as vitamin E in suppressing the copper (I)-induced lipid peroxidation, the present study supports a pharmacological potential of N-acetyl-serotonin combating free radical oxidative damages in the ocular tissues.