N-acetyl-serotonin reduces copper (I) ion-induced lipid peroxidation in bovine retinal homogenates

Acta Ophthalmol Scand. 2001 Feb;79(1):69-71. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0420.2001.079001069.x.

Abstract

Purpose: Chalcosis is an ocular condition caused by penetration injury of copper or its alloy, which leads to extensive ocular inflammation. N-acetyl-serotonin has recently been identified as a potent antioxidant against free radical stress. In this study, we determined the efficacy of N-acetyl-serotonin against the copper (I)-induced retinal lipid peroxidation.

Methods: Copper (I)-treated (100 microM) bovine retinal homogenates were incubated with 6 different concentrations (i.e. 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00 and 4.00 mM) of N-acetyl-serotonin or vitamin E. The malondialdehyde level was measured as an index of lipid peroxidation.

Results: Copper (I) ions induced a significant dose-dependent increase in malondialdehyde (p=0.007). Co-incubation with N-acetyl-serotonin or vitamin E significantly suppressed the copper (I)-induced malondialdehyde production (p<0.0001). The concentration to inhibit 50% of damage for N-acetyl-serotonin and vitamin E were found to be 1.54 mM and 0.45 mM, respectively.

Conclusion: Although N-acetyl-serotonin is only 29% as effective as vitamin E in suppressing the copper (I)-induced lipid peroxidation, the present study supports a pharmacological potential of N-acetyl-serotonin combating free radical oxidative damages in the ocular tissues.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Cattle
  • Copper / toxicity*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects*
  • Lipid Peroxides / metabolism
  • Malondialdehyde / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Retina / drug effects*
  • Retina / metabolism
  • Serotonin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Serotonin / pharmacology*
  • Vitamin E / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Lipid Peroxides
  • Vitamin E
  • Serotonin
  • Malondialdehyde
  • Copper
  • cuprous chloride
  • N-acetylserotonin