The relationship between melatonin and cannabinoid-1 receptor in cortical dysplasia generated rats [Kortikal displazi oluşturulmuş si{dotless}çanlarda melatonin ile kannabinoid reseptörü i·lişkisi]

Objectives: Cortical dysplasia is a developmental malformation that occurs as a result of defects in neuronal proliferation, migration and organization during the formation of brain cortex layers. Cannabinoid-1 Receptor (CB1R) plays a role in brain cortex development. Melatonin neuroprotective is an agent. In this study using an experimental cortical dysplasia model, CB1R expression and the effect of melatonin on CB1R were investigated. Methods: Eighteen female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=6). A single dose of intraperitoneal (i.p) saline (20 ml/kg) was administered in the 15th day of pregnancy in the rats group 1 (sham group). A single dose of i.p BCNU (20 mg/kg) was administered in the 15th day of pregnancy in the rats in group 2 (BCNU) and group 3 (BCNU+ Melatonin). In addition, i.p melatonin (10 mg/kg) starting on day 15 of pregnancy and continuing until the day of delivery were administered to the rats in group 3 (BCNU+Melatonin). Newborn brain sections were investigated using Luxol fast blue and anti-CB1R staining. Results: While the sham group had cerebral cortex stratification compatible with the normal newborn histology, it was observed that the stratification was disrupted in the group 2 and group 3. In the observed brain regions (cerebral cortex, cerebellar cortex and hippocampus), it was observed that CB1R immunoreactivity decreased in group 2 and 3. Conclusion: In an experimental cortical dysplasia model, it was seen that the administration of melatonin revealed a protective effect against the decrease in CB1R expression. It has been suggested that a decrease in CB1R expression would also play a role in cortical dysplasia formation mechanisms.