Melatonin improves 3-nitropropionic acid induced behavioral alterations and neurotrophic factors levels

Objective: This study sought to determine whether melatonin causes changes in neurotrophic factors and it protects against the mycotoxin 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) in brain tissue. Methods: Rats were given 3-NP over four consecutive days (20 mg/kg BW), while melatonin was administered over 21 days (1 mg/kg/BW), starting after the last injection of 3-NP. Results: Rats treated with 3-NP displayed significant changes in neurotrophic factor (BDNF and GDNF) levels, together with alterations in behavior; they also displayed extensive oxidative stress and a massive neuronal damage. Conclusions: Melatonin improved behavioral alterations, reduced oxidative damage, lowered neurotrophic factor levels and neuronal loss in 3-NP-treated rats. These results suggest that melatonin exerts a neuroprotective action. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.