Melatonin attenuates chronic cough mediated by oxidative stress via transient receptor potential melastatin-2 in guinea pigs exposed to particulate matter 2.5

Physiol Res. 2018 May 4;67(2):293-305. doi: 10.33549/physiolres.933654. Epub 2018 Jan 5.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin on oxidative stress, the expression of transient receptor potential melastatin-2 (TRPM2) in guinea pig brains, and the influence of melatonin on oxidative stress in lungs and airway inflammation induced by particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5). A particle suspension (0.1 g/ml) was nasally administered to the guinea pigs to prepare a PM2.5 exposure model. Cough frequency and cough incubation period were determined through RM6240B biological signal collection and disposal system. Oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), in the medulla oblongata were examined through spectrophotometer. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected in the hypoglossal nucleus, cuneate nucleus, Botzinger complex, dorsal vagal complex, and airway through dihydroethidium fluorescence. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and substance P expression via immunohistochemistry revealed the inflammatory levels in the airway. TRPM2 was observed in the medulla oblongata through immunofluorescence and Western blot. The ultrastructure of the blood-brain barrier and neuronal mitochondria was determined by using a transmission electron microscope. Our study suggests that melatonin treatment decreased PM2.5-induced oxidative stress level in the brains and lungs and relieved airway inflammation and chronic cough. TRPM2 might participate in oxidative stress in the cough center by regulating cough.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / adverse effects*
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / drug effects
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / pathology
  • Brain Chemistry / drug effects
  • Cough / chemically induced
  • Cough / drug therapy*
  • Cough / pathology
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Lung / drug effects
  • Male
  • Medulla Oblongata / drug effects
  • Medulla Oblongata / metabolism
  • Melatonin / therapeutic use*
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Particle Size
  • Particulate Matter / adverse effects*
  • TRPM Cation Channels / metabolism*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Antioxidants
  • Particulate Matter
  • TRPM Cation Channels
  • Melatonin