Journal of Applied Medical Sciences

Energy Production, the Main Role of Melanin in the Mesencephalon

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  • Abstract

    The explanation about the function of melanin in the substantia nigra at mesencephalon has been elicited diverse theories, being considered its presence in midbrain only as a by-product of dopamine metabolism. Our discovery of the intrinsic property of melanin to split and re-form the water molecule breaks the ground: the main function of melanin in mesencephalon (and anywhere) is energy production. Thereby melanin is the fundamental source of energy indispensable to dopamine metabolism.