Abstract
Bidirectional dependence exists between the immune and neuroendocrine systems, with common chemical messengers, such as melatonin (MLT), having immunoregulatory functions in some mechanisms of endotoxic shock. We used 10 – 12-week-old female Balb/c mice, with an average weight of 22 – 24 g, maintained under a 12 h light – dark cycle. The LD100 of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was determined to be 10 mg/kg (ip.) from a dose – response curve. Pretreatment with MLT (10 mg/kg ip.) increased survival by 60%, decreased plasma TNF-αε and increased IL-1. No significant changes were observed in levels of plasma IL-6.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank to Veterinary Doctors Alberto Ramos M. and José Blanco F, and Fidencio Peña (Animal Supply: CIBO-IMSS. Guadalajara, Jalisco, México).