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Melatonin ameliorates oxidative stress and induces cellular proliferation of lymphoid tissues of a tropical rodent, Funambulus pennanti, during reproductively active phase

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Abstract

Effect of melatonin treatment on free radical production was assessed with simultaneous investigation of hormonal level (melatonin and testosterone), blastogenic response, stimulation index, and histological observation of lymphoid organs (spleen, thymus, and bone marrow) in male Indian palm squirrel (Funambulus pennanti) during reproductively active phase (RAP). Low endogenous melatonin and high testosterone level were noted during RAP. Daily subcutaneous injection of melatonin (25 μg/100 g B wt.) at 17.30–18.00 h to squirrels for 60 consecutive days during May–June significantly decreased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level compared to control squirrels. Melatonin treatment significantly increased % stimulation ratio (%SR) of splenocytes and thymocytes against T cell mitogen concanavalin A. Pinealectomy (Px) led to a significant increase in TBARS level whereas a significant decrease was observed in blastogenic response and stimulation index was noted. Melatonin injection to Px squirrels showed restoration in %SR of thymocytes and splenocytes with a significant decrease in the TBARS level of the lymphoid tissues. Further, free radical load was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 400 μg/ml) in lymphatic tissue homogenates and noted that melatonin supplementation (2 mM/ml) led to a significant decrease in TBARS level compared to the control and LPS-supplemented groups. Histological observation showed dense cellularity of thymocytes and splenocytes. Acridine orange staining technique shows a significant increase in thymocyte apoptosis Px squirrels when compared with melatonin-treated squirrels. These findings suggest that endogenous and exogenous melatonin might be responsible for the maintenance of immune system to adapt this seasonal breeder for the rigors of the environmental changes.

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Acknowledgments

Authors are thankful to University Grant Commission, New Delhi, for providing financial support and to Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (Germany) for gift of instruments (Heracell CO2 Incubator and Heraus Multifuse −4°C).

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There is no conflict of interest between the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, 495009, Chhattisgarh, India

    Rai Seema

  2. Department of Zoology, Pineal Research Lab, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India

    Haldar Chandana

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  1. Rai Seema
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Correspondence to Rai Seema.

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Seema, R., Chandana, H. Melatonin ameliorates oxidative stress and induces cellular proliferation of lymphoid tissues of a tropical rodent, Funambulus pennanti, during reproductively active phase. Protoplasma 250, 21–32 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00709-011-0367-1

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