Pineal Gland and Melatonin are Associated with Serum Element Metabolism in Rats.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of melatonin supplementation with serum element metabolism in pinealectomized rats.

Methods: The research was conducted on 32 adult male Spraque-Dawley rats. The study protocol was approved by the local animal ethics committee.Animals were divided into four equal groups. Control (Group 1), Melatonin (Group 2), Pinealectomy "Px" (Group 3), Pinealectomy+melatonin (Group 4). Animals in groups 2 and 4 were given intraperitoneal (ip) melatonin support (4 weeks/day; 3 mg/kg melatonin). Animals in groups 3 and 4 underwent pinealectomy under general anesthesia. At the end of the applications, serum element levels were determined by atomic emission (μg/dl) in the blood samples taken from the sacrificed animals.

Results: While pinealectomy increased chromium and manganese levels in Group 3 (p<0.001), it caused significant suppression of magnesium, calcium and zinc levels (p<0.001). Melatonin supplementation in pinealectomized animals (Group 4) treated the impairments in the mentioned parameters.

Conclusion: The results of the current study show that the melatonin hormone secreted from the pineal gland has a regulatory effect on serum element metabolism. This study is the first to examine the relationship between the pineal gland and element metabolism as a whole.