Melatonin and DEX ameliorate TBI in mice

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of preventable death and morbidity in young adults. Melatonin  produced by the pineal gland has been shown to exert neuroprotection in models of brain and spinal cord trauma, cerebral ischemia and excitotoxicity. Glucocorticoids, e.g. DEX, are potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory agents that are used therapeutically in several inflammatory pathologies.

Campolo et al investigated the effects of combination therapy with melatonin and DEX in a mouse model of TBI. they show that combination therapy with a potent antioxidant such as melatonin and an anti-inflammatory agent such as DEX significantly protects against TBI

Read full article at Campolo et al (2013) Journal of Endocrinology 217 291-301, DOI: 10.1530/JOE-13-0022.