Neuroprotective effects of melatonin on the nigrostriatal dopamine system in the zitter rat

► Age-related degeneration was observed in the DA neuron of zitter rats. ► Melatonin suppressed IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA expressions in zitter rats. ► Melatonin increased catalase and SOD1 mRNA expressions. ► Melatonin treatment alleviated the degeneration of DA neuron of zitter rats.