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Melatonin improves cerebrovascular function and decreases oxidative stress in chronically hypoxic lambs
Emilio A Herrera1, Roberto Macchiavello, Camilo Montt
1Programa de Fisiopatología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; International Center for Andean Studies (INCAS), Universidad de Chile, Putre, Chile.
Journal of Pineal Research
|May 10, 2014
Summary
Melatonin treatment improved cerebral blood flow and reduced oxidative stress in newborn lambs experiencing chronic hypoxia. This suggests melatonin may be a therapeutic option for neonatal cerebrovascular dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Pharmacology
- Vascular biology
Background:
- Chronic hypoxia in neonates leads to oxidative stress and impaired cerebrovascular function.
- High-altitude environments exacerbate these conditions, posing risks to newborns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of melatonin on cerebral vascular function in chronically hypoxic neonatal lambs.
- To determine if melatonin, an antioxidant and vasodilator, can mitigate hypoxia-induced cerebrovascular dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal lambs gestated and born at high altitude were treated with melatonin or vehicle.
- Cerebral blood flow, vascular reactivity, and oxidative stress markers in middle cerebral arteries (MCA) were assessed.
- Cardiovascular responses to varying oxygen levels were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Melatonin improved carotid blood flow and enhanced vascular responses to various stimuli.
- Endothelial function improved via nitric oxide-independent pathways.
- Oxidative stress markers (nitrotyrosine) in the MCA were reduced.
- No adverse systemic cardiovascular effects were observed.
Conclusions:
- Oral melatonin treatment effectively modulates cerebral vascular function in hypoxic neonates.
- Melatonin enhances cerebral perfusion and reduces oxidative stress.
- Melatonin shows potential as a therapeutic agent for neonatal hypoxia-related cerebrovascular issues.
