Effect of Melatonin on Catalase Enzyme in Mouse Kidney Tissue

In this study, we aimed to immunohistochemically investigate the effects of melatonin administration on catalase in the kidney tissue. In our study, 18 male Swiss albino mice were used and they were divided into three groups as control (n=6), sham (n=6) and experimental (n=6). The experimental group received 10 mg/kg dose of melatonin for 28 days (i.p.). Tissue samples were embedded in paraffin. To examine catalase immunoreactivity, avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) technique was performed to tissue sections. Based on the results of the immunohistochemical staining, reaction was showed in proximal tubules in all three groups. The reaction in inner cortical proximal tubules was found to be more intense. There was no immunoreactivity in distal tubules, Malpighian bodies, vascular endothelium and structures in the medulla. Catalase immunoreactivity was determined to be more intense in the experimental group than other groups. Our study supports the idea that melatonin could have a direct effect on the kidney tissue and that it could be used as an antioxidant therapeutic agent by strengthening antioxidant mechanism in oxidative stress.