Conclusion
Applying melatonin prior to cell damage occurrence can be recommended for its effectiveness in protecting from tunicamycin-induced ER stress.
Methods
In this study, 42 adult Sprague Dawley rats, randomly divided into seven equal groups, were administered intraperitoneal tunicamycin to induce ER stress. Both prophylactic (PMel) and therapeutic melatonin (TMel) groups were administered melatonin for seven days. ER stress in the cell was detected through immunohistochemical and molecular analyses using GPR78 expression.
Results
Increased oxidant levels and apoptosis rates were shown in testicular tissue because of ER stress. The sections in the melatonin-administered and control groups were similar, with melatonin-administered groups showing an increase in the antioxidant ratio. Histometric examinations revealed both TMel and melatonin applications reduced the diameter of the tubules. However, immunohistochemical and molecular analyses showed that PMel administration decreased the concentration of GRP78 more effectively than TMel.