Melatonin as a treatment for uveitis.

ROSENSTEIN, RUTH; SANDE, PABLO; FERNANDEZ, DIEGO; CHIANELLI, MÓNICA; SAENZ, DANIEL

Melatonin in the Promotion of Health 2nd Edition

Editorial: CRC Press (Taylor & Francis Group)

Lugar: Boca Raton, FL 33487; Año: 2010;

Abstract Numerous studies have firmly established that melatonin synthesis occurs in the retina of vertebrates, including mammals. The retinal biosynthesis of melatonin and the mechanisms involved in the regulation of this process have been extensively studied. In contrast, the full range of actions of retinal melatonin is far from being completely known. The presence of melatonin receptors has been demonstrated by immunocytochemical studies of ocular tissues. These receptors may have different functional roles in different parts of the eye. Among many other anti-inflammatory mechanisms, melatonin is a potent antioxidant molecule which is effective in scavenging free radicals that are generated in ocular tissues, and it inhibits the retinal nitridergic pathway. Several lines of evidence support the view that increased free radical generation and altered nitric oxide (NO) metabolism play a key role in the pathogenesis of uveitis. 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 uveitic eye.