benefit effect of melatonin

What is it about?

Fifteen adult Soay rams were used in this experiment. Eight animals were given subcutaneous implants containing melatonin, while the other seven animals were used as control. After 11 weeks, the rams were killed and the seminal vesicles were examined by light and electron microscope. In contrast to the control grouped animals, the melatonin treated rams showed morphological, morphometrical, and ultrastructural changes as a result of reactivation of the glandular tissues of the seminal glands. The ratio of interstitial connective tissues to glandular tissues was reduced in the treated group. Melatonin induced an evident significant increase in number and height of principal cells that showed signs of increased secretory activity; apical cytoplasmic protrusions became well developed and covering the inner surface of the glandular end-pieces, also, the basal cells were significantly increased in number. The main cytological alteration in the principal cells of the seminal vesicles in treated animals was prominent increase in the concentrically arranged membranes of sER, secretory vacuoles and glycogen granules and appearance of numerous lysosomes and multivesicular bodies. Interstitial Cajal- like cells were significantly increased in number and formed a network around the epithelium and between smooth muscle cells in the treated group. The main components of these cells were mitochondria, rER, sER, and many caveolae. The cytological alterations were accompanied by subepithelial and intraepithelial nonmyelinated nerve terminals in the treated animals. The results support the view that melatonin activates and increases the secretory activity of seminal gland in sheep.

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Why is it important?

the present study provides comprehensive information on the structure and ultrastructure of the ram seminal vesicles before and after melatonin administration, placing emphasis on the secretory epithelium characteristics. Melatonin induced a significant increase in number and height of principal cells that showed signs of increased secretory activity. The main cytological alteration in the principal cells in treated animals was prominent increase in the concentrically arranged membranes of sER, secretory vacuoles and glycogen granules and appearance of numerous lysosomes and multivesicular bodies. Also, interstitial Cajal-like cells were significantly increased in number and formed a network around the epithelium and between smooth muscle cells in the treated group. In order to supply a detailed functional interpretation of the secretory epithelium, immunohistochemistry are necessary. It can be stated that the constant supply of exogenous melatonin appears to be registered as a short day and to overcome any effects of endogenous melatonin secretion.

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