Analysis of melatonin production induced by LPS in glial cell cultures of different brain regions

• Grant number: 14/00153-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2014
• End date: September 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Luciana Pinato
• Grantee: Vitor Marques Melo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências (FFC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Marília. Marília , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 11/51495-4 - Induction of melatonin synthesis by glia and neurons in injured central nervous system, AP.JP

Abstract

Extra-pineal production of melatonin induced by injury is being described in peripheral immune competent cells. Molecules that signalize injury, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and PAMPs induce the synthesis of this indolamine by mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells. The pivotal transcription factor in inflammatory responses, nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB), mediates the induction of immune-competent cells synthesis of melatonin. Taking into account that the glia cells are considered the immune-competent cells of the CNS, we intend to investigated whether a glia production of melatonin could be observed when the CNS is injured. Our study will involve evaluating the effect of LPS and TNF on cultures of glia cells regarding melatonin production and NFKB activation.