Effect of Lighting Regimes and the Melatonin Receptor Antagonist Luzindole on the Composition of Peripheral Blood Leukocytes of Wistar Rats in Postnatal Ontogenesis

AbstractA study of hematological parameters in postnatal ontogenesis was carried out on 151 Wistar rats (74 males and 77 females) kept during embryonic development and after birth in either standard lighting conditions (LD, 12 : 12) or in complete darkness (DD). The age, photoperiod, and the melatonin-receptor antagonist luzindole had a significant effect on the composition of peripheral blood leukocytes. The age-related changes in the values of the studied parameters consisted of a decrease in the total amount of leukocytes and the relative content of lymphocytes and an increase in the neutrophil level. The age-related decrease in the number of leukocytes, and lymphocytes slowed, and the level of large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) was lower, on average, in the conditions of light deprivation as compared with LD regime. The effect of luzindole depended on the lighting conditions and age: the preparation increased the lymphocyte number and decreased the neutrophil level in DD in old rats (24 months) and decreased the LGL content in LD. Apparently, luzindole affects the relative content of different types of white blood cells in the peripheral blood via melatonin receptors or other immunoregulatory mechanisms.
Source: Advances in Gerontology - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research