2003 issue 4

Back

Volume 19, issue 4

Article

Melatonine, antypical antyoxidant – role in Alzheimere’s disease – possible therapeutical use

Katarzyna Gustaw1
1. Poradnia Alzheimerowska Instytutu Medycyny Wsi w Lublinie
Farmakoterapia w Psychiatrii i Neurologii, 2003, 4, 59-69
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, melatonine, antioxidants

Abstract

Multiply aetiology has been proposed for Alzheimer’s disease. Besides hereditary, contagious hereditary, dietary and environmental factors are proposed. Neurohormones seem to play an important role in Alzheimer's disease pathology. Moreover, deficiency of melatonin is postulated to be important for the development of Alzheimer's disease. Melatonin is carried to the ventricular system via choroid plexus some of neurohormone is secreted directly into the cerebro-spinal fluid. The neurohormone is a potent antioxidant of an original mode of action. In Alzheimer's disease, inadequate melatonin allows hydroxyl radicals damage mitochondria and initiate a cascade of oxygen radicals that causes the neuropathological changes in Alzheimer's disease. Thus melatonin pathway can have role in neurodegenerative changes in the brain. Besides melatonin can have a role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.