The neuroprotective effect of melatonin against the induction of c-Jun phosphorylation by 6-hydroxydopamine on SK-N-SH cells

Neurosci Lett. 2004 Nov 23;371(2-3):205-8. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2004.08.068.

Abstract

Melatonin is synthesized mainly in pineal gland. It has been suggested that melatonin has proven antioxidant effects and protective effects against neuronal cell degeneration. There are several studies indicating that c-Jun-N-terminal kinase pathways might be involved in neuronal cell death. In this study, the effects of melatonin on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-treated cultured SK-N-SH cells were investigated. The results showed that 6-OHDA significantly decreased cell viability as determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and melatonin was able to reverse the toxic effects of 6-OHDA on cell viability. In addition, induction of c-Jun phosphorylation by 6-OHDA was diminished by melatonin. These results demonstrate some protective properties of melatonin against neuronal cell degeneration and its action on the inhibition of c-Jun-N terminal kinase signaling cascade.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / physiology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Melatonin / pharmacology*
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Oxidopamine / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Oxidopamine / pharmacology*
  • Phosphorylation / drug effects

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Oxidopamine
  • JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Melatonin