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1560388 
Journal Article 
MELATONIN AND NERVE REGENERATION 
Odaci, E; Kaplan, S 
2009 
Yes 
International Review of Neurobiology
ISSN: 0074-7742
EISSN: 2162-5514 
International Review of Neurobiology 
87 
317-335 
19682645 
WOS:000269657600016 
Melatonin is a, widely distributed and important signal
molecule that occurs in unicellular organisms, plants, and fungi in addition to animals and
humans. It is the main hormone of the pineal gland and its synthesis occurs mainly in this gland.
It has free radical scavenging and antioxidative properties and shows clinical antibacterial and
analgesic effects. By means of these properties, it is able to protect cells, tissues, and organs
against oxidative damage from free radicals. Recently, widespread interest has grown among
researchers regarding the apparent protective effects of melatonin following traumatic events to
peripheral nerves, especially the sciatic nerve and its pathological conditions, as melatonin
administration could be beneficial following surgery. Although there are great numbers of studies
that have mentioned protective effects of melatonin on peripheral nerve pathologies, there are
also some studies that report toxic effects of melatonin on peripheral nerves. This paper reviews
the available literature in terms of both the beneficial and the toxic effects of melatonin on
peripheral nerves. Short descriptions of the structure of pineal gland and synthesis and
secretion of melatonin are also given.