Melatonin and zinc treatment: distinctive modulation of cytokine production in chronic experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection

► We examine changes in the level of cytokines. ► Zinc and Melatonin were used to protect host against Trypanosoma cruzi infection. ► Both substances induced enhanced levels of IL-2, IL-10 and thymocyte proliferation. ► In the chronic phase of infection, Zinc and Melatonin reduced macrophages' number. ► We conclude that a distinctive cytokine production occurs during the course of the infection.