Melatonin as a therapeutic tool in ophthalmology: implications for glaucoma and uveitis

ROSENSTEIN RE; PANDI-PERUMAL SR; SRINIVASAN V; SPENCE DW; BROWN GM; CARDINALI DP

JOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Año: 2010 vol. 49 p. 1 - 13

0742-3098

J Pineal Res. 2010 Aug;49(1):1-13. Epub 2010 May 13. Melatonin as a therapeutic tool in ophthalmology: implications for glaucoma and uveitis. Rosenstein RE, Pandi-Perumal SR, Srinivasan V, Spence DW, Brown GM, Cardinali DP. Department of Human Biochemistry, School of Medicine, CEFyBO, University of Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina. ruthr@fmed.uba.ar Abstract Several lines of evidence support the view that increased free radical generation and altered nitric oxide (NO) metabolism play a role in the pathogenesis of highly prevalent ocular diseases, such as glaucoma and uveitis. Data are discussed indicating that melatonin, being an efficient antioxidant that displays antinitridergic properties, has a promising role in the treatment of these ocular dysfunctions. Melatonin synthesis occurs in the eye of most species, and melatonin receptors are localized in different ocular structures. In view of the fact that melatonin lacks significant adverse collateral effects even at high doses, the application of melatonin could potentially protect ocular tissues by effectively scavenging free radicals and excessive amounts of NO generated in the glaucomatous or uveitic eye.