The role of melatonin in the chicken scoliosis model
- VernacularTitle:褪黑素在鸡脊柱侧凸模型中的作用
- Author:
Ting WANG
;
Yougu HU
;
Yinggang ZHENG
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Pineal body;
Melatonin;
Scoliosis
- From:
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics
1996;0(10):-
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To define the role of melatonin in the pathogenesis of chickens scoliosis following pinealectomy and constant light irradiation. Methods Ten white leghorn chickens in the control group were kept in light-dark (12h:12h) cycle, 500 lx in daytime and 0-5 lx in nighttime after birth. Pinealectomy was performed in 20 white leghorn chickens when 3-day-old and then kept in light-dark cycle as the control group. Constant light (500 lx) irradiation was used to reduce the secretion of melatonin in 20 chickens after their births. Radiologic examinations were performed on all chicken spines for scoliosis monthly. When the chickens were 3-month-old, their mid-day and mid-night serum samples were collected and analyzed with ELISA kit for melatonin. Results There was no scoliosis in the control group and constant light group when the chickens were 3-month-old. In the pinealectomy group, 4 chickens had obvious scoliosis in the first month when X-ray examination was taken. The curved deformity progressed and became serious when the chickens grew up. There were 7 chickens with severe curved deformity in the second month. When the chickens were 3-month-old, there were totally 11 chickens with scoliosis, Cobb' angle 11?-85?, average 30.63?. The level of melatonin in control group was low in daytime (10.6 pg/ml) and high in nighttime (110.4 pg/ml) alternately. The melatonin level was much lower, daytime 8.4 pg/ml and nighttime 6.9 pg/ml in pinealectomy group and 10.8 pg/ml in constant light group. There was no statistical significance in the serum melatonin between the pinealectomy group and constant light group. Both groups remained low level of serum melatonin. Conclusion Pinealectomy can reduce the secretion of melatonin and induce scoliosis in chickens. Although constant light could suppress the secretion of melatonin in chicken serum, it did not induce scoliosis. The pathogenesis of chickens scoliosis might not be mediated by low-level melatonin.
