Effects of long-term oral administration of melatonin on tear production, intraocular pressure, and tear and serum melatonin concentrations in healthy dogs

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of long-term (30-day) oral administration of melatonin on tear production, intraocular pres- sure (10P), and concentration of melatonin in the tears and serum of healthy dogs. ANIMALS 20 healthy sexually intact adult male dogs. PROCEDURES 10 dogs were given melatonin (0.3 mg/kg, PO, q 24 h, administered in food at 9 AM), and 10 dogs were given a placebo. Tear and serum melatonin concentrations, IOP, and tear production (determined with a Schirmer tear test) were recorded before (baseline) and 30 minutes, 3 hours, and 5 hours after administration of melatonin or the placebo on day 1 and 30 minutes after administration of melatonin or the placebo on days 8, 15, and 30. RESULTS Data collection time had significant effects on tear production, IOP, and tear melatonin concentration but not on serum melatonin concentration. Treatment (melatonin vs placebo) had a significant effect on tear melatonin concentration, but not on tear production, IOP, or serum melatonin concentration; however, tear melatonin concentration was significantly different between groups only 30 minutes after administration on day 1 and not at other times.