Decreased MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptor expression in extrapineal tissues of the rat during physiological aging

Aging is a complex process associated with a diminished ability to respond to stress, a progressive increase in free radical generation and a decline in immune function. Melatonin, a molecule with a great functional versatility exerts anti-oxidant, oncostatic, immunomodulatory, and anti-aging properties. Melatonin levels drop during aging and it has been speculated that the loss of melatonin may accelerate aging. This study was designed to elucidate whether aging involves responsiveness to reduced melatonin. Melatonin membrane receptor (MT1 and MT2) expression and MT1 protein expression were analyzed in extrapineal tissues (thymus, spleen, liver, kidney, and heart) of 3- and 12-month-old rats using real time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analysis. Moreover, melatonin in tissues was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. We report for the first time, an age-related reduction in mRNA MT1 and MT2 expression levels as well as MT1 protein expression in all tissues tested except the thymus, where surprisingly, both melatonin receptor levels were significantly higher in 12-month-old rats and MT1 protein expression maintained unchanged with age. Diminished melatonin concentrations were measured in spleen, liver, and heart during aging. As a conclusion, physiological aging seems to exert responsiveness to melatonin and consequently, the loss of this potent anti-oxidant may contribute to onset of aging.