Objective: To investigate the exact mechanism of melatonin to prohibit the apoptosis of neural cells induced by various kinds of cytotoxic agents.
Methods: We used the methods of phase contrast microscopy, MTT assay and hoechst dye staining to check this mechanism in SKNSH and U251 cell lines.
Results: Both 2 mmol/L H2O2 and 0.5 micromol/L amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) induce these two cell lines die via apoptosis. Either melatonin or glutathione can significantly protect both cell lines. The protective effect of 10 micromol/L melatonin is as same as that of 60 micromol/L glutathione.
Conclusion: Melatonin can partly inhibit the cytotoxicity of H2O2 and Abeta through its role as a free radical scavenger.