author(s)
Archana Ashok Sharbidre #, Mohini B. Bamane #, Prajakta D. Dhage #, D. L. Bharmal

abstract
The effect of melatonin on the oxidative stress produced by the dietary uptake of D-galactose (6 mg/ml) was studied in the gut compartments of Musca domestica larvae. The larvae were simultaneously treated with melatonin (25 µg/ml). The effects of D-galactose were evaluated as elevated levels in the quantity of Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione Transferase, Catalase activities and Lipid peroxidation in different gut compartments of four groups of M. domestica L. larvae (P < 0.05). All these changes were prevented by addition of melatonin in the diet. These findings indicate (i) D-galactose induced oxidative stress in the gut compartments, characterized by a high level of lipid peroxidation, and of antioxidative enzymes activities, and (ii) melatonin prevents the deleterious effects induced by D-galactose. In conclusion, the results illustrate the ability of melatonin to amend the oxidative stress response to D-galactose by protecting gut membranes.