High intensity light increases olfactory bulb melatonin in Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infection.

Abstract

In mice infected with the Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus and exposed to high intensity light (2500 lux) with a 12 h light: 12 h dark photoperiod, a significant increase in the levels of melatonin in the olfactory bulb was observed. The significance of these findings deserves further studies to understand the mechanisms involved in this effect since the olfactory bulbs have been proposed as first portal for VEE virus entry into the CNS. The increase in melatonin content could represent one of the mechanisms of defense against the viral attack.

• Authors: S Medina-Leendertz, N Valero, L Chacín-Bonilla, F Añez, D Giraldoth, J Arias, G Espina, S Díaz, E Bonilla
• Journal: Neurochemical research (Neurochem Res) Vol. 26 Issue 3 Pg. 231-4 (Mar 2001) ISSN: 0364-3190 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11495546 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Melatonin

Topics

• Animals
• Circadian Rhythm
• Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
• Encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan Equine (metabolism, physiopathology)
• Light
• Male
• Melatonin (metabolism)
• Mice
• Olfactory Bulb (metabolism, physiopathology, radiation effects)