Decrease in spontaneous motor activity and in brain lipid peroxidation in manganese and melatonin treated mice.

In the present study, we have evaluated whether melatonin (MEL) modulates Mn-induced decrease in spontaneous motor activity (SMA) and lipid peroxidation, estimated as malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, in several brain regions. In mice treated with manganese a decrease in SMA after 2 weeks of treatment was observed. In the group treated with Mn+MEL a significant greater reduction in SMA was detected at 4 weeks. MDA levels were reduced in both MEL and Mn treated mice. In the animals treated with MEL + Mn a higher reduction in MDA levels was observed. These results suggest that MEL modulates the effect of Mn on SMA and brain lipid peroxidation.