Melatonin enhances the immune response to vaccination against A1 and C strains of Dichelobacter nodosus.

Abstract Melatonin has been shown to exert immunomodulatory properties with broad application in veterinary medicine. Here we have investigated the effect of exogenous melatonin in the improvement of the immune response to administration of an immune-preparation of two stumps of A1 and C strains of Dichelobacter nodosus in sheep. Subcutaneous administration of melatonin enhanced plasma levels of melatonin from days 42 to 120. Administration of melatonin to vaccinated animals enhanced both the titer of antibodies and serum IgG levels to A1 and C strains of D. nodosus compared to vaccinated animals not treated with melatonin. Our results suggest that melatonin increased the immune response to vaccination and open new perspectives in the design of prophylactic strategies.