Radioprotective effect of melatonin on the cervical spinal cord in irradiated rats

• Published in: Cell journal (Yakhteh) Vol. 14; no. 4; pp. 246 - 253
• Main Authors: Haddadi, Gholamhassan, Shirazi, Alireza, Sepehrizadeh, Zargham, Mahdavi, Seied Rabie, Haddadi, Maryam
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Iran Royan Institute of Iran 2013; Royan Institute; Royan Institute (ACECR), Tehran
• Subjects: Melatonin; Spinal Cord; VEGF; Spinal Cord; Melatonin; VEGF
• ISSN: 2228-5806; 2228-5814

It has been suggested that the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression plays an important role in radiation-induced injury to the spinal cord. This study assesses the radioprotective effects of N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine (melatonin) through its modulation of VEGF expression after localized irradiation of the cervical spinal cord. In this experimental study, we divided 192 male rats into four groups: 1. control (n=48); 2. rats that received an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of melatonin (n=48); 3. rats that received an IP injection of melatonin 30 minutes prior to cervical spinal cord gamma irradiation [dose: 22 Gy; (n=48)]; and 4. rats that received an IP injection of vehicle prior to spinal cord irradiation (n=48). The changes in VEGF expression were assessed using real-time RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Samples for light microscopy were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The differences among the groups were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test followed by Tukey's multiple comparisons test. Up-regulation of VEGF expression was observed from 8 to 22 weeks after irradiation (p<0.05). Paralysis and other radiation-induced myelopathy manifestations developed within 22 weeks after irradiation. VEGF expression in the melatonin pre-treatment group significantly down-regulated in the 20(th) and 22(nd) weeks after irradiation compared to the radiation-only group. The results support the hypothesis that modulation of VEGF expression by melatonin administration may increase the survival rate of irradiated animals.