Melatonin reduces interleukin secretion in amyloid-beta stressed mouse brain slices

Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with many featu res of the immune system. For example, cytokines such as IL-6, synthesized by microglia and astrocytes, are associated with senile plaques. To further study the role of cytokines in early stage AD neurodegeneration, an organo typic mouse brain slice culture system with microglia and astrocytes was de veloped. Amyloid-beta (A beta1-40) induced the secretion of both IL-1 beta and IL-6. Melatonin, an antioxidant and pineal hormone, reduced interleukin secretion in a concentration dependent manner. We also observed that melat onin, alone, had no effect on IL-1 beta secretion but at a concentration of 500 muM induced the secretion of IL-6. This organotypic slice system can b e used to study the early role of immune system molecules on neurodegenerat ion (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.