Figure 3.

This figure summarizes the findings as uncovered by Jou et al. (2004). By effectively scavenging reactive oxygen species generated within mitochondria, melatonin prevents the collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, opening of the mitochondrial transition pore (MTP) and the downstream events that lead to cellular apoptosis. Additionally, melatonin may have direct actions on the mitochondrial transition pore that are unrelated to its scavenging activity.