Abstract Background: Nowadays, working long hours and shift work are inevitable, even though these working schedules are associated with several physical and mental effects. Gastrointestinal complaints are common among their physical effects. Recent studies have shown organoprotective effect of melatonin in gastrointestinal tract. In this study we investigated gastric mucosal damage due to partial sleep deprivation and the possible role of melatonin in this damage. Methods: 24 male rats were assigned in two groups: 12 rats in control group with normal sleep and 12 rats in partial sleep deprivation group. For partial sleep deprivation, we used a slowly rotating cylindrical cage, which was rotating 23 hours a day for 14 days. Animals were food deprived in the last 24 hours of study. Finally, their stomachs were assessed grossly and histologically. We also performed ELISA assay for measurement of their serum melatonin. Results: Mucosal damage was seen to some extent in both groups. Damage severity was significantly higher in partial sleep deprivation group (P<0.001). In addition, serum melatonin was significantly lower in partial sleep deprivation group (P<0.001). Conclusion: We conclude that partial sleep deprivation could induce gastric mucosal damage in rats. Even though serum melatonin was lower in partial sleep deprived rats. So we could propose that decreased serum melatonin might have a role in this damage.

Keywords: Gasteric Mucosal Damage, Partial Sleep Deprivation, Serum Melatonin

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