Russel J. Reiter talks with
ScienceWatch.com and answers a few questions about
this month's Fast Breaking Paper in the field of Biology
& Biochemistry. The author has also sent along images
of their work.
Field: Biology & Biochemistry Article Title: One molecule, many derivatives: A
never-ending interaction of melatonin with reactive oxygen
and nitrogen species?
Authors: Tan, DX;Manchester, LC;Terron, MP;Flores,
LJ;Reiter
, RJ
Journal: J PINEAL RES
Volume: 42
Issue: 1
Page: 28-42
Year: JAN 2007
* Univ Texas, Hlth Sci Ctr, Dept Cellular & Struct
Biol, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA.
* Univ Texas, Hlth Sci Ctr, Dept Cellular & Struct
Biol, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA.
(addresses may have been truncated; see full
article)
Figure 1: The cascade of reactions by which
melatonin and its metabolites detoxify free
radicals and associated products, i.e.,
oxidants.
Figure
2:
Figure 2: During aging, endogenous
melatonin levels wane as illustrated. The
reduction in melatonin may be consequential
in exaggerating some age-related diseases.
Also, this figure illustrates the exclusive
nighttime production of melatonin.
Figure
3:
Figure 3: Damage to the brain is frequently
extensive after a stroke. This damage in
experimental animals can be markedly
attenuated by giving melatonin at the time
of or shortly after stroke induction (A).
The white (non-stained) area of the brain
is dead tissue. The amount reduction in
dead brain tissue as a result of melatonin
administration is shown in the graph on the
right (B).