Reiter R J
Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas, San Antonio 78284-7762.
Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars). 1994;54 Suppl:31-9.
The pineal hormone melatonin is a potent free radical scavenger. In particular, it quenches what is generally considered the most toxic and damaging free radical produced in the organism, the hydroxyl radical (.OH). Melatonin production in the pineal gland declines progressively with age such that in old animals and elderly humans the levels of melatonin available to the organism are a fraction of that of young individuals. A prominent theory of aging claims that the anatomical and functional degeneration that organs undergo during aging is a consequence of accumulated free radical damage. This being so, melatonin may well play a significant role in aging processes. If the drop in melatonin which normally occurs as animals age could be prevented, perhaps the aging process would also be delayed. Also, supplemental administration of melatonin may be beneficial in delaying age-related degenerative conditions. Certainly, free radical damage has been implicated in a number of neurodegenerative disorders. Theoretically, melatonin administration may forestall these as well.
松果体激素褪黑素是一种强大的自由基清除剂。特别是，它能淬灭通常被认为是生物体中产生的最具毒性和破坏性的自由基——羟基自由基（·OH）。松果体中褪黑素的分泌会随着年龄的增长而逐渐减少，以至于在老年动物和老年人中，生物体可利用的褪黑素水平仅为年轻人的一小部分。一个著名的衰老理论认为，器官在衰老过程中经历的解剖学和功能退化是自由基损伤积累的结果。既然如此，褪黑素很可能在衰老过程中发挥重要作用。如果能够防止动物衰老过程中正常出现的褪黑素下降，那么衰老过程或许也会被延缓。此外，补充褪黑素可能有助于延缓与年龄相关的退行性疾病。当然，自由基损伤与许多神经退行性疾病有关。从理论上讲，服用褪黑素也可能预防这些疾病。
