Immune stimulation by exogenous melatonin during experimental endotoxemia

Inflammation. 2014 Jun;37(3):738-44. doi: 10.1007/s10753-013-9792-y.

Abstract

Melatonin has been shown to enhance the immune response under immune-compromised conditions. However, its immune-modulatory effects under inflammatory conditions are unclear at present. Both pro- and anti-inflammation has been reported. To study time-dependent effects of melatonin on the general immune response during endotoxemia in more detail, we used two models in male rats: per-acute endotoxemia was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) bolus injection (2.5 mg/kg), sub-acute endotoxemia by LPS infusion (2.5 mg/kg × h). Melatonin was applied directly before and 2 h after LPS administration (3 mg/kg, each). The LPS-induced formation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-1α/β, IL-5, and IL-6 and of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was further amplified by melatonin, although it was only significant during per-acute endotoxemia. In both models, melatonin had no effect on the LPS-induced nitric oxide release. These findings show that exogenous melatonin is capable of enhancing the general immune response under inflammatory conditions.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Endotoxemia / drug therapy*
  • Endotoxemia / immunology*
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Lipopolysaccharides / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Melatonin / blood
  • Melatonin / immunology
  • Melatonin / pharmacology*
  • Nitric Oxide / blood*
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Cytokines
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Melatonin