Melatonin delays photoreceptor degeneration in the rds/rds mouse

Photoreceptors in retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a group of inherited retinal d egenerative diseases, die through apoptosis. Since melatonin protects again st neuronal apoptotic death, we tested its ability to slow photoreceptor de generation in the rds/rds mouse, an animal model for RP. Shortly after birt h, rds/ rds mice were given daily i.p. injections of melatonin or vehicle f or 11 weeks. Melatonin treatment significantly delayed photoreceptor loss a nd reduced the number of apoptotic photoreceptors. Further studies should d etermine if melatonin will have potential for the treatment of certain huma n retinal degenerations. NeuroReport 12:1011-1014 (C) 2001 Lippincott Willi ams & Wilkins.