A new murine model of accelerated senescence

Rapid decrease of glycogen concentration in the hearts of senescence-accelerated mice during aging

Age-related changes in glycogen concentration in the heart of SAMP8, a substrain of senescence-accelerated prone mouse, were compared with that in SAMR1, a substrain of senescence-accelerated resistant mouse. The decrease by about 50% in the glycogen concentration in the hearts of 4-8 weeks old SAMP8 was observed in comparison with that in age-matched SAMR1, whereas there was no difference in adult hearts between the two substrains. Additionally, glycogen phosphorylase activity was significantly increased (1.3-fold) in the heart of 4-8 weeks old SAMP8 without the change in glycogen synthase activity between the two substrains. At the same age, the lipid peroxide concentration was also increased (1.4-fold) in the hearts of SAMP8, suggesting that oxidative stress was involved in the early damage to the hearts of SAMP8. Furthermore, the present findings that the cardiac glycogen concentration in SAMP8 decreases more quickly than that in SAMR1 may indicate the possibility that an accelerated aging of SAMP8 is related to the early changes in the energy sources in the heart.

Modulation of age-related changes in immune functions of protein-deficient senescence-accelerated mice by dietary nucleoside-nucleotide mixture supplementation

In the present study we examined the immune-enhancing effect of a nucleoside-nucleotide mixture on the non-specific T-cell immune functions of senescence-accelerated mice (SAM) fed on a low-protein diet. The immune functions studied were in vitro thymic and splenic cell lymphoproliferative responses to phytohaemagglutinin, lipopolysaccharide and concanavalin A and their production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) in response to mitogen stimulation. SAMP8 mice aged 3 and 6 months were used. In each age group, mice were fed on diets containing either 50 g casein/kg, 50 g casein/kg supplemented with 5 g nucleoside-nucleotide mixture/kg or 200 g casein/kg for 3 weeks. The supplemented 3- and 6-month-old mice had higher (P < 0.05) thymic and splenic cell counts compared with the low-protein group. In both age groups of mice, concanavalin A induced higher (P < 0.05) total thymic and splenic lymphoproliferative responses for the nucleoside-nucleotide mixture-supplemented group compared with the 50 g casein/kg dietary groups. Thymic and splenic production of IL-2 was higher for the 3-month-old mice in both the supplemented and the 200 g casein/kg dietary groups. INF-gamma production in the supplemented 3-month-old group and the 6-month-old 200 g casein/kg dietary group was higher (P < 0.05) compared with the other groups. Overall the supplemented 3-month-old mice exhibited both higher lymphoproliferative responses and production of cytokines compared with the supplemented 6-month-old mice. The results indicate that early nucleoside-nucleotide mixture supplementation may enhance the immune response in protein-deprived SAMP8 mice.

Murine models of brain aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases

In the past, structural changes in the brain with aging have been studied using a variety of animal models, with rats and nonhuman primates being the most popular. With the rapid evolution of mouse genetics, murine models have gained increased attention in the neurobiology of aging. The genetic contribution of age-related traits as well as specific mechanistic hypotheses underlying brain aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases can now be assessed by using genetically-selected and genetically-manipulated mice. Against this background of increased demand for aging research in mouse models, relatively few studies have examined structural alterations with aging in the normal mouse brain, and the data available are almost exclusively restricted to the C57BL/6 strain. Moreover, many older studies have used quantitative techniques which today can be questioned regarding their accuracy. Here we review the state of knowledge about structural changes with aging in outbred, inbred, genetically-selected, and genetically-engineered murine models. Moreover, we suggest several new opportunities that are emerging to study brain aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases using genetically-defined mouse models. By reviewing the literature, it has become clear to us that in light of the rapid progress in genetically-engineered and selected mouse models for brain aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases, there is a great and urgent need to study and define morphological changes in the aging brain of normal inbred mice and to analyze the structural changes in genetically-engineered mice more carefully and completely than accomplished to date. Such investigations will broaden knowledge in the neurobiology of aging, particularly regarding the genetics of aging, and possibly identify the most useful murine models.

Anti-ageing effect of aged garlic extract in the inbred brain atrophy mouse model

1. The effects of chronically administered aged garlic extract (AGE) on the age-related changes in a novel strain of senescence accelerated mouse (SAM) characterized by age-related brain atrophy (SAMP10) were investigated. 2. A solid diet containing 2% (w/w) AGE was given to SAM from 2 months of age. 3. The grading score of senescence in SAMP10 at 10 months of age was significantly higher than that of SAMR1, a reference strain for SAMP10. 4. Administration of AGE prevented the increase in the grading score of SAMP10 and SAMR1. 5. In behavioural evaluation, AGE improved learning and memory deficits of SAMP10 in both the passive and conditioned avoidance tests as well as the spatial memory test. 6. Treatment with AGE in SAMP10 prevented the decrease in brain weight and the atrophic changes in frontal brain at 12 months of age. 7. These results raise the possibility that AGE prevents physiological ageing and may be beneficial for age-related cognitive disorders in humans.

Alterations in acetylcholine, NMDA, benzodiazepine receptors and protein kinase C in the brain of the senescence-accelerated mouse: an animal model useful for studies on cognitive enhancers

The senescence-accelerated mouse (SAMP8) is a useful murine model of accelerated aging and learning deficiency. We examined bindings of [3H]pirenzepine, [3H]dizocilpine (MK-801), [3H]flunitrazepam, [3H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) and [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutylate (PDBu) in SAMP8 brains, and compared them to those of SAMR1 (control). In the hippocampus of SAMP8 at 12 months, bindings of [3H]pirenzepine, [3H]MK-801, [3H]flunitrazepam, [3H]8-OH-DPAT and [3H]PDBu were significantly lower than those in SAMR1. In the cerebral cortex, bindings of [3H]pirenzepine, [3H]flunitrazepam and [3H]8-OH-DPAT were higher in SAMP8 than in SAMR1 at 12 months. [3H]PDBu binding was decreased in both the fractions of the membrane and cytosol in the hippocampus of SAMP8. The neurochemical findings presented here support behavioral and pharmacological findings that SAMP8 is a useful model of learning dysfunction and anxiety-deficiency. The usefulness of SAMP8 in studies on cognitive enhancers is also discussed.

Free radical oxidation of brain proteins in accelerated senescence and its modulation by N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone

According to the free radical theory of aging, reactive oxygen species cause oxidative damage, proposed to be an underlying factor of the aging process. In the current study, we have used electron paramagnetic resonance spin labeling, measurements of protein carbonyl content, an index of protein oxidation, and determination of the activity of glutamine synthetase (an oxidatively sensitive enzyme) to report that cortical synaptosomal membranes from the senescence accelerated-prone (SAMP8) mouse showed structural characteristics of free radical oxidative stress relative to the senescence accelerated-resistant (SAMR1) mouse. The SAMP8 mouse exhibited a decrease in the relevant EPR parameter consistent with oxidative stress (P < 0.002), a decreased glutamine synthetase activity (P < 0.05), and an increased protein carbonyl content (P < 0.01) compared with these parameters in the SAMR1 mouse. Further, because free radical trapping compounds have been demonstrated to extend maximum life span and improve cognition in SAMP8 mice, we investigated the protective nature of the known free radical scavenger, N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone (PBN), on the physical state of cortical synaptosomal membrane proteins. For 14 days, SAMR1 and SAMP8 mice were injected with 30 mg/kg PBN while the controls were injected with the corresponding volume of saline. Characteristic of less oxidized systems, cortical synaptosomal membranes from the PBN-injected SAMP8 mouse exhibited a return toward normal values of the relevant EPR parameter [the M1 = +1 low-field weakly immobilized line/M1 = +1 low-field strongly immobilized line (W/S) ratio of a protein-specific spin label] (P < 0.001) compared with that from saline-injected SAMP8 mice. In SAMR1 mice, in contrast to SAMP8, there was no significant change in the conformation of membrane proteins or protein carbonyl content of cortical synaptosomal membranes from the PBN-injected and saline-injected SAMR1 mice, showing that PBN itself did not induce conformational changes in cortical synaptosomal membrane proteins. The results are discussed with reference to the use of free radical scavengers as potential anti-aging agents.

Management and design of the maintenance of SAM mouse strains: an animal model for accelerated senescence and age-associated disorders

The Senescence-Accelerated Mouse (SAM) was established by inbreeding and pedigree selection based on the life span, degree of senescence, as well as the incidence and degree of several age-associated disorders. At first, SAM strains were developed under conventional conditions, but now some strains are also maintained under specific pathogen-free conditions. There are many methods used to maintain such strains of mice; our methods will be introduced as one example of how to develop and maintain strains of mice used in aging research.

Senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM): a novel murine model of senescence

The Senescence-Accelerated Mouse (SAM) has been under development by our research team at Kyoto University since 1970 through the selective inbreeding of the AKR/J strain of mice donated by the Jackson Laboratory in 1968, based on a graded score for senescence, life span, and pathologic phenotype. At present, there are 12 lines of SAM: nine senescence-prone inbred strains (SAMP) including SAMP1, SAMP2, SAMP3, SAMP6, SAMP7, SAMP8, SAMP9, SAMP10, and SAMP11; and three senescence-resistant inbred strains (SAMR) including SAMR1, SAMR4, and SAMR5. Data from survival curves, Gompertzian function, and grading score of senescence, together with growth patterns of body weight of these SAMP and SAMR, revealed that the characteristic feature of aging common to all SAMP mice is "accelerated senescence;" early onset and irreversible advance of senescence manifested by several signs and gross lesions such as the loss of normal behavior, various skin lesions, increased lordokyphosis, etc., after a period of normal development. In the course of SAM development, it became evident that SAMP strains manifest various pathologic phenotypes that are characteristic enough to differentiate the SAM strains. The genetic background and significance of SAM development are discussed.

Neuroprotective and anti-amnesic potentials of sigma (sigma) receptor ligands

1. Although the physical nature of sigma (sigma) receptors have not yet been fully defined, several classes of selective ligands have been characterised, demonstrating a plethora of physiological actions. In the present review, the authors have set out to highlight two important aspects of the biological activities of sigma ligands, their neuroprotective and anti-amnesic effects. 2. The sigma ligands present a therapeutic potential as neuroprotective agents in brain ischemia. The neuroprotective activity of many non-selective sigma ligands is primarily a result of their affinity for the NMDA receptor complex. However, selective sigma ligands are also neuroprotective, possibly by inhibition of the ischemic-induced presynaptic release of excitotoxic amino acids. 3. The sigma 1 ligands prevent the experimental amnesia induced by muscarinic cholinergic antagonists at either the learning, consolidation or retention phase of the mnesic process. This effect involves a potentation of acetylcholine release induced by sigma 1 ligands selectively in the hippocampal formation and cortex. 4. The sigma 1 receptor ligands also attenuate the learning impairment induced by dizocilpine, a non-competitive antagonist of the NMDA receptor, and may relate to the potentiating effect of sigma 1 ligands on several NMDA receptor-mediated responses previously described in vitro and in vivo in the hippocampus. This effect is shared by NPY- and CGRP-related peptides and by neuroactive steroids, confirming the in vitro evidences of functional interactions between the sigma 1 receptors and these different systems. 5. Additional amnesia models also seem to be alleviated by sigma 1 ligands, such as phencyclidine-induced cognitive dysfunctions, and amnesia induced by the calcium channel blocker nimodipine, or by exposure to carbon monoxide. Furthermore, a preliminary study in an animal model of age-related memory deficits, the senescence-accelerated mouse, strengthened the therapeutic potentials of selective sigma 1 receptor ligands in aging-related pathologies.

Pathobiology of the senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM)

Routine postmortem examinations and the pathobiological features revealed by systematically designed studies have shown several pathologic phenotypes that are often characteristic enough to differentiate among the various SAM strains: senile amyloidosis in SAMP1, -P2, -P7, -P9, -P10, and -P11; secondary amyloidosis in SAMP2 and -P6; contracted kidney in SAMP1, -P2, -P10, and -P11; immunoblastic lymphoma in SAMR1 and -R4; histiocytic sarcoma in SAMR1 and -R4; ovarian cysts in SAMR1; impaired immune response in SAMP1, -P2, and -P8; hyperinflation of the lungs in SAMP1; hearing impairment in SAMP1; degenerative temporomandibular joint disease in SAMP3; senile osteoporosis in SAMP6; deficits in learning and memory in SAMP8 and -P10; emotional disorders in SAMP8 and -P10; cataracts in SAMP9; and brain atrophy in SAMP10. These are all age-associated pathologies, the incidence and severity of which increase with advancing age. The SAM model in which these pathobiological features have been carefully monitored will be a valuable tool in the clarification of the pathogenic mechanisms of age-associated pathologies and in the research for effective methods to modulate or ameliorate these pathologies.

Relationship of impaired brain glucose metabolism to learning deficit in the senescence-accelerated mouse

The relationship between brain glucose metabolism and learning deficit was examined in the senescence-accelerated-prone mouse (SAMP) 8, which has been proven to be a useful murine model of age-related behavioral disorders. SAMP8, 7 months old, exhibited marked learning impairment in the passive avoidance task, as compared with the control strain, senescence-accelerated-resistant mice (SAMR) 1. SAMP8 also exhibited a reduction in brain glucose metabolism, as indicated by a reduction in [14C]2-deoxyglucose accumulation in the brain following the intravenous injection impaired glucose metabolism correlated significantly with the learning impairment in all brain regions in SAMR1 and SAMP8. In the SAMP8, a significant correlation was observed in the posterior half of the cerebral cortex. These results suggest that the SAMP8 strain is a useful model of not only age-related behavioral disorders, but also glucose hypometabolism observed in aging and dementias.

Age-related changes of the cementogenesis in the senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM)

Cementogenesis of the molars with aging was studied using senescence accelerated mouse (SAM) which included SAMP2/Iw and SAMP8@Iw as prone strains, and SAMR1/Iw as a resistant strain. Morphometric analysis was done for the cementum thickness at 2, 6, 12 and 16 months of age on 4 parts of the mice, i.e. at the mesial (M), the distal (D), the apical (A) and the furcational (F) cementum of the maxillary first molar. SAMR1/Iw was also studied at 20 months of age. Mean cementum thickness was statistically analyzed for age and strain differences. Mean thicknesses of the M and the D cementum in SAMP2/Iw and in SAMP8@Iw were usually higher than those in SAMR1/Iw. Furthermore, there were significant differences between SAMP2/Iw and SAMR1/Iw, and between SAMP8/Iw and SAMR1/Iw, both at 12 and 16 months of age. There was no difference in mean thickness in the F cementum in either strain and at any age. In the A cementum, SAMP2/Iw displayed significantly thicker cementum than SAMR1/Iw at 6, 12 and 16 months of age. The degree of molar eruption was thought to be more accelerated in SAMP2/Iw than in SAMR1/Iw. However, the thickness of the A cementum was not different for SAMP8@Iw and SAMR1/Iw in any age group. In this study, 2 conclusions were drawn as follows: first, that SAMP2/Iw and SAMP8@Iw exhibited more accelerated cementogenesis than SAMR1/Iw in the M and the D cementum. Secondly, several factors such as intrinsic factors, occlusal forces and degree of attrition affected the cementogenesis of the M and the D, the F and the A cementum, respectively.

Immunohistochemical study with anti-advanced glycation end-products antibody in murine amyloidosis

Advanced glycation end-products (AGE) are formed in the late phase of the non-enzymatic glycosylation reaction in conditions such as diabetes mellitus and aging. In amyloidosis, AGE have been found in the A beta 2M amyloid associated with long-term hemodialysis and in the beta-protein in Alzheimer's disease. Murine AApoAII and AA amyloidosis were examined immunohistochemically using anti-AGE monoclonal antibody, 6D12. AApoAII amyloid deposits studied in one senescence-accelerated mouse P1 (SAMP1), congenic mice that have the amyloidogenic apolipoprotein A-II of SAMP1 mice, and AKR mice all reacted with biotinylated 6D12 by formic acid pretreatment, whereas AA amyloid deposits did not react with the antibody. The immunoreaction with anti-apolipoprotein A-II for amyloid deposits in senile mice was approximately homogeneous in intensity; on the other hand the reaction with biotinylated 6D12 was irregular in distribution and intensity over the amyloid deposits. These findings suggest that amyloid precursor proteins are not associated uniformly with AGE modification before deposition as amyloid; it is more likely that the AGE modification progresses gradually and unevenly after amyloid deposition. Murine amyloidosis may be a useful model to elucidate the role of AGE in amyloidosis.

Beneficial effects of sigma agonists on the age-related learning impairment in the senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM)

A beneficial effect of sigma (sigma) agonists was previously described on several pharmacological models of learning impairments. We examined this effect in senescence-accelerated mice (SAM), which has been developed as a murine model of aging and cognitive dysfunction. SAMP8/Ta (P8, senescence-prone substrain), 10-12 months of age, showed significant impairments in mnemonic capacities, as compared to age-matched SAMR1/Ta controls (R1, senescence-resistant substrain). Tests included open-field behavior, spontaneous alternation performances in the Y-maze, step-down passive avoidance and place learning after repetitive training in a water-maze. Pretreatment with the sigma agonists JO-1784 (igmesine) or PRE-084, at 0.1-3 mg/kg, s.c., significantly improved spontaneous alternation and passive avoidance performances in P8. JO-1784 or PRE-084, at 1 mg/kg, also improved place learning in the water-maze, and retention, in term of escape latency. The implication of sigma sites was indicated by the lack of significant effect of JO-1783, the inactive enantiomer of JO-1784, and by the ability of BMY-14802 (5 mg/kg, i.p.) to antagonize the effects on passive avoidance of JO-1784 (0.5 mg/kg) or PRE-084 (1 mg/kg). Subchronic treatments with JO-1784 (0.5 mg/kg/day) or PRE-084 (1 mg/kg/day) during 10 days, allowed a significant improvement of learning during training in the water-maze, but retention was not significantly ameliorated. These results confirmed the interest of the SAM substrains as an experimental model for senile memory impairment and showed that sigma agonists could improve the quality of learning, although they seem less effective on long-term memory retrieval upon chronic administration.

Evidence that glucose metabolism is decreased in the cerebrum of aged female senescence-accelerated mouse; possible involvement of a low hexokinase activity

d-Glucose metabolism in cerebral cells prepared from aged senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM), was investigated in consideration of a sex difference. The production of 14CO2 from 6-[14C]D-glucose was reduced in female senescence-accelerated-prone mouse (SAMP) 8, a prone substrain, in comparison with that in female senescence-accelerated-resistant mouse (SAMR) 2, a control substrain, whereas there was no difference in males. The 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake into cerebral cells from female SAMP8 was also lower than that of control mice. But, the 3-O-methyl-D-glucose uptake in SAMP8 was higher than that of SAMR2, suggesting that the low hexokinase activity was involved in the decreased glucose metabolism in cerebrum of SAMP8 females irrespective of glucose transporter. This possibility was supported by the finding that the contents of glucose 6-phosphate produced from glucose added to cerebral cells from SAMP8 was lower than that in ICR mice.

Age-related increase in nitric oxide synthase activity in senescence accelerated mouse brain and the effect of long-term administration of superoxide radical scavenger

The levels of nitric oxide (NO) and NO synthase (NOS) activities were compared in the brains of young adult (3 months old), aged (11 months old) and TJ-960 administered (11 months old) senescence accelerated mice (SAM), of which the SAMP8 substrain is inferior in acquisition of learning due to the abnormality of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the cerebral cortex. TJ-960, which is based on the Kampo (Japanese traditional herbal medicine) prescription Sho-saiko-to-go-keishi-ka-shakuyaku-to, acts as a superoxide radical scavenger and attenuates the deterioration of neuronal activity associated with aging. We administered TJ-960 orally for 5 months. In the cerebral cortex of aged SAMP8, NOS activity was increased compared with that of young adult SAMP8. Though TJ-960 did not alter the contents of NO in any brain region compared with those in aged SAMP8, it did prevent the increase in NOS activity in the aged cerebral cortex. Our data suggest that NOS activity may increase to compensate for the reduced sensitivity of the NO reaction system in the aging process, and that TJ-960 may normalize this increased NOS activity in the cerebral cortex, although further work is clearly needed to ascertain maintenance in the acquisition of learning.

Effects of the subacute administration of nefiracetam on abnormal behavior in aged rats

We investigated the effects of nefiracetam on learning and memory by the Morris water maze task and water-finding test, and on emotional behavior by forced swimming, hole-board and open-field tests in old male Kbl Wistar rats aged 90 and 108 weeks. In the water maze task, the acquisition of the task in aged rats was slower than that in young rats. Subacute administration of nefiracetam (1 and 3 mg/kg daily) for 24 days tended to shorten the goal latency to escape onto the platform in a dose-dependent manner in the retention test, conducted 24 days after acquisition training. Nefiracetam (1 mg/kg) administration for 49 days decreased the duration of immobility in aged rats in the forced swimming test. Locomotor activity in young rats during the dark period was significantly higher than that during the light period, while there was no difference in locomotor activity between the light and dark periods in aged rats, suggesting that locomotor activity during the dark period and nocturnal habits may be impaired in aged rats. Subacute administration of nefiracetam for 14 days significantly increased the locomotor activity during the dark, but not light, period in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, nefiracetam given for 38 days, significantly shortened the increased time elapsed before animals started exploring the environment in aged rats compared with young rats in the water-finding tests. These findings suggest that nefiracetam may improve the impaired nocturnal habits and some of emotional behavior in aged rats.

Early changes in the expression of GLUT4 protein in the heart of senescence-accelerated mouse

The content of facilitative glucose transporter proteins in the heart, lung, liver, testis and cerebellum of SAMP8, a substrain of senescence-accelerated prone mouse, was investigated. The increase in the expression of facilitative glucose transporter proteins, estimated by the D-glucose inhibitable cytochalasin B binding assay, was observed only in the heart of 4-8 week old SAMP8 in comparison with SAMR1, a substrain of senescence-accelerated resistant mouse. The increase in cytochalasin B binding protein in SAMP8 was restricted at 4-8 weeks old, thereafter no significant difference was observed between the two substrains. Furthermore, the immunoblotting revealed that the content of the GLUT4 (glucose transporter isoform 4) protein in the crude membranes prepared from 4-8 week old SAMP8 was greater than that of SAMR1, without the difference in the content of the GLUT1 (glucose transporter isoform 1) protein. Additionally, the increased GLUT4 protein in SAMP8 was localized in the intracellular membranes. These results suggest that an accelerated ageing of SAMP8 is possibly related to the overproduction of the energy in the heart through the increase in glucose uptake after the translocation of GLUT4 from the intracellular pools to the plasma membranes.

Age-related changes in learning and memory and cholinergic neuronal function in senescence accelerated mice (SAM)

The senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) has been established as a murine model of accelerated aging. We investigated learning ability and memory in various tasks in a SAM strain, SAMP1TA, and in a control strain of SAMR1TA at the ages of 20, 30 and 40 weeks. We also measured choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and cholinesterase (ChE) activity in the brains of these mice at the same ages. In a Y-maze task, in which short-term memory can be examined, there was no difference in learning ability between SAMP1TA and SAMR1TA at any age. Ability in latent learning and passive-avoidance tasks was less in SAMP1TA at 30 weeks of age than in age-matched SAMR1TA. The level of ChAT activity in the striatum of SAMP1TA was lower, than that of SAMR1TA at the ages of 20 and 30 weeks. At the ages of 40 and 50 weeks, ChE activity in the striatum of SAMP1TA was lower than that of SAMR1TA. These results suggest that SAMP1TA has a deficit, with cholinergic neuronal dysfunction, in learning ability and memory, as shown by impairment of performance in latent learning and long-term memory, but not in short-term memory.

Atherogenic change in the thoracic aorta of the senescence-accelerated mouse

Biochemical and histological changes in the thoracic aorta of the senescence-accelerated prone mouse were examined in comparison with those of the senescence-accelerated resistant mouse. At 3 and 5 months of age, the lipid peroxide level in the thoracic aorta was higher in the former than in the latter. At 5 months of age, levels of both total cholesterol and triglycerides in the aorta were higher in the former than in the latter, and vice versa for the level of aortic phospholipids. At 5 months of age, the prone mice showed macrophage invasion beneath the endothelial cells of the thoracic aorta, whereas the resistant ones did not.

Monoamine oxidase-B-positive granular structures in the hippocampus of aged senescence-accelerated mouse (SAMP8)

We examined the histochemical localization of monoamine oxidase in the hippocampus of young and old senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM). We found a monoamine oxidase-B-positive granular structure (MGS) in the hippocampus of old SAMP8, an accelerated senescence-prone line of SAM. The MGS was a round-shaped granular structure of 0.5 to 5 microns diameter and usually formed a cluster, the largest diameter of which ranged from 50 to 150 microns. No MGS were found in the hippocampus of young SAMP8 or of young SAMR1, an accelerated senescence resistant line of SAM, and only few, if any, were seen in old SAMR1. A monoamine oxidase-positive astrocyte was usually observed in the central area of each cluster of MGS. Furthermore, the MGS was in close anatomical relationship with monoamine oxidase-positive astrocytic processes. The enzyme inhibition experiments showed that monoamine oxidase activities localized in the MGS and astrocytes were both predominantly of type B. These findings suggest MGS occurs at least partly in monoamine oxidase-B-positive astrocytes. Furthermore, the MGS was similar to a periodic acid-Schiff-positive granular structure, a polyglucosan body previously documented in the brains of old SAMP8 and some other aged mice strains including C57BL/6 and nude mice, in terms of their size, morphological appearances and topographical distribution in the hippocampus. Thus, the present results suggest that monoamine oxidase type B is a proteinaceous component of the periodic acid-Schiff-positive granular structure in aged mice brains, and might provide some clues for clarifying the mechanisms of age-related occurrence of periodic acid-Schiff-positive granular structures in mice brains.

Sesame seed and its lignans produce marked enhancement of vitamin E activity in rats fed a low alpha-tocopherol diet

Three series of experiments demonstrated that sesame seed and its lignans cause significant elevation of alpha-tocopherol content in rats. In Experiment 1, 20% sesame seed (with a negligible amount of alpha-tocopherol) supplementing 10 (low), 50 (normal), or 250 (high) mg/kg alpha-tocopherol diets (protein and fat concentrations in diets were adjusted to 200 and 110 g/kg, respectively) all caused a significant increase of alpha-tocopherol in the blood and tissue of rats. In Experiment 2, groups of rats were fed five different diets: a vitamin E-free control diet, a low alpha-tocopherol diet, and three low alpha-tocopherol diets supplemented with 5, 10, and 15% sesame seed. Changes in lipid peroxides in liver, red blood cell hemolysis, and pyruvate kinase activity, as indices of vitamin E deficiency, were examined. These indices were high in the low alpha-tocopherol diet, whereas supplementation with even 5% sesame seed suppressed these indices completely and caused a significant increase of alpha-tocopherol content in the plasma and liver. In Experiment 3, two diets containing sesame lignan (sesaminol or sesamin) and low alpha-tocopherol were tested. Results in both of the sesame lignan-fed groups were comparable to those observed in the sesame seed-fed groups as shown in Experiment 2. These experiments indicate that sesame seed lignans enhance vitamin E activity in rats fed a low alpha-tocopherol diet and cause a marked increase in alpha-tocopherol concentration in the blood and tissue of rats fed an alpha-tocopherol-containing diet with sesame seed or its lignans.

Effect of aging on spontaneous micronucleus frequencies in peripheral blood of nine mouse strains: the results of the 7th collaborative study organized by CSGMT/JEMS.MMS. Collaborative Study Group for the Micronucleus Test. Environmental Mutagen Society of Japan. Mammalian Mutagenesis Study Group

The spontaneous frequencies of micronucleated reticulocytes (MNRETs) were examined monthly over the life spans of animals belonging to nine mouse strains for the 7th collaborative study organized by the CSGMT/JEMS.MMS. Both sexes of the BDF1 strain and females of the A/J strain showed a statistically significant increase in mean spontaneous MNRET frequency in their last month of life, suggesting the possibility of strain-specific, age-dependent chromosomal instability. SAMP6/Tan, an accelerated senescence-prone strain, showed the same tendency, although it was not statistically significant. The other strains studied, ddY, CD-1, B6C3F1, SAMR1, and MS/Ae, did not show significant age-related differences in mean of MNRET frequencies. More extensive statistical analyses are underway, and the outcomes will be reported separately.

Age-related changes of mRNA expression of amyloid precursor protein in the brain of senescence-accelerated mouse

APP695 mRNA is only expressed in the brains of SAM. The expression of APP mRNA in SAM P1 mice brains is more marked than that in SAM R1 mice brain. APP mRNA expression was increased with advancing age in all brain regions of SAM P1 mice compared with SAM R1. Especially, the changes of the amount of APP mRNA in the prosencephalon and the mesencephalon are significant at P value of 0.05. We suggest that overexpression of APP mRNA may be related to accelerated aging phenomenon in the SAM brain. This is the first report of age-related increase in the amount of APP mRNA in the SAM brain.

Effect of YM796, a novel muscarinic agonist, on the impairment of passive avoidance response in senescence-accelerated mice

We compared the effects of YM796 [(-)-S-2,8-dimethyl-3-methylene-1-oxa-8- azaspiro[4,5]-decane L-tartrate monohydrate], a novel muscarinic agonist, on passive avoidance response with those of the cholinomimetics AF102B [(+/-)-cis-2-methylspiro-(1,3-oxathiolane-5,3')-quinuclidine hydrochloride] and NIK247 [9-amino-2,3,5,6,7,8-hexahydro1H-cyclopenta(b)- quinoline monohydrate hydrochloride] in senescence-accelerated mice. SAMP8@YAN (SAM-P/8, senescence-accelerated-prone substrain) showed an age-dependent shortening in the latency of step-through when compared with SAMR1/YAN (SAM-R/1, senescence-accelerated-resistant substrain). The shortened latency of step-through in SAMP8@YAN was prolonged by administration of YM796 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg, PO), AF102B (3 and 10 mg/kg PO), and NIK247 (30 mg/kg, PO) in a bell-shaped manner. In contrast, amitriptyline (10, 30, and 50 mg/kg, PO), with cholinolytic properties, had no effect on this shortened latency of step-through. These results suggest that YM796, AF102B, and NIK247 ameliorated the disturbance of learning behavior, presumably due to facilitation of the central cholinergic system in SAMP8@YAN mice and that SAMP8@YAN may be an appropriate age-dependent model of amnesia for evaluating pharmacological actions of drugs.

Age-related decrease of nerve growth factor-like immunoreactivity in the basal forebrain of senescence-accelerated mice

The senescence-accelerated mouse P10 (SAMP10) is a murine model of accelerated senescence characterized by the deterioration of learning and memory with advancing age. In the present study, we examined the distribution of nerve growth factor (NGF) immunohistochemically in SAMP10 mice and its control strain, SAMR1. In both strains, NGF-like immunoreactivity (NGF-IR) was observed in neurons throughout the entire forebrain and in glial cells in a particular location. In aged SAMP10 mice, each layer of the cerebral cortex retained its NGF-IR, although the thickness of the cortical mantle was markedly decreased in comparison with younger animals. There was an age-related decline in NGF-IR in the substantia innominata of SAMP10 mice at the age of 10 months, when compared to 2-month-old SAMP10. These results indicate age-related decrease of NGF in the basal forebrain in SAMP10 mice.

Female reproductive properties and prenatal development of a senescence-accelerated mouse strain

Female reproductive properties, early embryonic development, and serum estradiol and progesterone levels of the senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM)-prone (SAM-P) strain were compared with those of a SAM-resistant (SAM-R) strain. The reproductive life span of SAM-P (from 11.4 to 25.0 weeks old) was shorter than that of SAM-R (11.1 to 41.6 weeks old), and the total number of SAM-P pups was 41.7% less than from SAM-R. The reproductive senescence of SAM-P is more accelerated than that of SAM-R. At 15 weeks old, the maximum litter size of SAM-P was noted and was 33.7% smaller than that of SAM-R. Although no differences in the numbers of ovulated and fertilized ova were observed between two strains, the number of implants in SAM-P was 21.6% less than in SAM-R. Cell cleavage was delayed in embryos of SAM-P (8% morula, at day 2 of pregnancy) compared to SAM-R (48%). At day 3 of pregnancy, 9% and 33% of the embryos were blastocysts in SAM-P and SAM-R, respectively. At day 1 of pregnancy, serum estradiol level in SAM-P was 18.2% higher than in SAM-R, whereas the serum progesterone level in SAM-P was 46.2% lower than in SAM-R. The unbalance of estradiol and progesterone levels in SAM-P was considered to be the cause of the delay in early embryonic development, and then the decrease of implantation and a smaller litter size.

Abnormalities of B cells and dendritic cells in SAMP1 mice

The age-related changes in the function of antigen-presenting cells (APC) were examined using a substrain of senescence-accelerated mouse (SAMP1). In the primary mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), dendritic cells (DC) from aged SAMP1 mice showed less stimulatory activity than those of age-matched BALB/c or young SAMP1 mice. In the secondary MLR, the stimulatory activity of B cells was found to be lower in aged SAMP1 mice but not in age-matched BALB/c or young SAMP1 mice. In addition, these age-related decreases in the stimulatory activity of APC were found to be related to changes in the surface density of major histocompatibility complex class II and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) (but not B7-1 or B7-2 molecule) on APC (DC and B cells).

Age-related changes in ConA-induced cytokine production by splenocytes from senescence accelerated mice SAMP8

In vitro production of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-5 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) by splenocytes stimulated with concanavalin A (ConA) was studied in senescence-accelerated mice (SAMP8; 2-14.5 months old) by employing AKR (2-9 months old), origin of SAM strain, as controls. Male and female SAMP8 mice showed an age-related decrease in IL-2 production from the age of 9 months and the phenomena were accompanied by an increase in IFN-gamma production with a large increment. AKR mice showed no decrease in IL-2 production even at 9 months of age, but there was an increase in IFN-gamma production showing levels lower than those in SAMP8 mice. Between IL-2 and IFN-gamma production during the ages of 2-9 months, there were negative correlations in male and female SAMP8 mice and a positive correlation in female AKR mice. The levels of IL-4 production were lower in SAMP8 than in AKR mice, although there was no difference in IL-5 production between SAMP8 and AKR mice. Male and female SAMP8 mice showed a positive correlation between IL-5 and IFN-gamma production. Only in SAMP8 females was an increase in IFN-gamma accompanied by an increase in IL-4. From these changes in the cytokine production profile was it concluded that SAMP8 mice were senescence-accelerated in immuno-responses in comparison with AKR mice and had some functional deficiency with respect to IL-4 production, a part of which resulted from over-production of IFN-gamma.

Femoral peak bone mass and osteoclast number in an animal model of age-related spontaneous osteopenia

BACKGROUND

SAMP6 was developed as a murine model of age-related spontaneous osteopenia characterized by low peak bone mass. A morphometric study of the growing femur in SAMP6 and sex-matched SAMP2 at 10 days to 4 months of age was done to examine the pathogenic process related to osteopenia.

METHODS

Age-related changes in cortical bone thickness, femur score, trabecular bone volume, thickness of epiphyseal growth plate, number of osteoclasts, and osteoclast surface were measured with a computerized image analyzer. Osteoclasts were examined cytomorphometrically after TRAP (tartrate resistant acid phosphatase) staining of the femoral sections.

RESULTS

Cortical bone thickness and femur score increased significantly with age, while trabecular bone volume decreased significantly. Comparing mean values of cortical bone thickness, femur score and trabecular bone volume, we noted significantly lower mean values in SAMP6 than in SAMP2 mice. These significant inter-stain differences first became evident in 20-40-day-old mice, but there was no significant difference in thickness of the epiphyseal growth plate between the two strains. The mean values of the number of osteoclasts per unit bone surface length and of the osteoclast surface in SAMP6 were significantly greater than in age- and sex-matched SAMP2. Histograms of distribution of size of osteoclasts of 40-day-old male mice revealed that larger ones were more frequently seen in SAMP6. Furthermore, the ratio of osteoclasts/TRAP positive cells free in the bone marrow cavity was significantly higher in SAMP6 than in SAMP2.

CONCLUSION

Activated bone resorption may play a role in the osteopenia seen in SAMP6.

Neurochemical changes related to ageing in the senescence-accelerated mouse brain and the effect of chronic administration of nimodipine

The levels of neurotransmitters and related metabolic enzyme activities in the brain of young-adult (3 months old), aged (11 months old) and nimodipine-administered (11 months old) senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) were compared. Nimodipine, a calcium antagonist, was administered orally for 5 months. Acetylcholine (ACh), serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) levels all decreased with age but this decrease was attenuated by nimodipine. Choline acetyltransferase and choline esterase activities increased with age, and nimodipine enhanced their activities. Tryptophan hydroxylase activity was not affected by age or nimodipine administration. Monoamine oxidase-A activity increased with age, and was decreased by nimodipine administration. These results suggest that SAM rapidly undergoes neurochemical changes which are considered to be part of the normal aging process, and these changes were attenuated by chronic administration of nimodipine.

Age-related cochlear degeneration in senescence-accelerated mouse

Age-related hair cell loss and strial atrophy were investigated in an accelerated senescence-prone strain, SAMP1 mice, and an accelerated senescence-resistant strain, SAMR1 mice. The loss of inner and outer hair cells in SAMP1 progressed more rapidly than that in SAMR1 with age. In both strains, areas of the loss of inner and outer hair cells were located mainly in the apex and base. Atrophy of the stria vascularis was observed in both strains, but in SAMP1 it appeared to increase earlier than in SAMR1. These results reveal that age-related hair cell loss and atrophy of the stria vascularis comparable to that in the human cochlea occur earlier and progress more rapidly in SAMP1 than in SAMR1. Hearing impairment in SAM may be due to a combination of sensory and strial presbycusis as well as to neural presbycusis, as reported previously. The morphological changes in the cochlea observed in SAMP1 and SAMR1 make these strains suitable for the study of the mechanisms of presbycusis.

Dietary alpha-linolenate/linoleate balance influences learning and memory in the senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM)

The senescence-accelerated mouse (SAMP8) is a model of age-related deterioration of memory and learning ability. A semipurified diet supplemented either with safflower oil (rich in linoleate) or with perilla oil (rich in alpha-linolenate) was fed to SAMP8 mouse dams and their pups. The offspring (males from several mothers) at 28 weeks of age were used for behavioral tests. The proportions of n-3 and n-6 highly unsaturated fatty acids in brain phospholipids reflected the n-3/n-6 balance of the diets. The learning and memory abilities of the two dietary groups were tested with the Sidman active avoidance task and the light and dark discrimination learning test. The group given perilla oil showed much greater improvement in learning in the Sidman active avoidance task than did the group fed safflower oil. In the light and dark discrimination learning test, the total number of responses to positive and negative stimuli was lower in those fed perilla oil, and their responses to positive stimuli were higher than to negative stimuli after the 10th session. Consequently, the correct response ratios of discrimination were higher in the perilla oil group than in the safflower oil group. In the open field test, the total amount of locomotor activity during 5 min was lower in the perilla oil group at 7 months of age than in the group fed safflower oil.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of a sustained release formulation of thyrotropin-releasing hormone on behavioral abnormalities in senescence-accelerated mice

Effects of a sustained release formulation of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH-SR) on reduced anxiety-like behavior and learning impairment in senescence-accelerated mice (SAM) were examined. SAMP8/Ta (SAMP8) mice showing age-related emotional changes as well as learning and memory impairments, and SAMR1TA (SAMR1) mice exhibiting normal aging were used at 8 months of age. Subcutaneous injection of TRH-SR (2.8 mg/kg as free TRH) produced a sustained increase in immunoreactive plasma TRH levels up to about 4 weeks after dosing in SAMP8. TRH-SR antagonized the reduced neophobia to novel food in SAMP8 in a dose-dependent manner when tested 10 days but not 3 days after the injection. In the elevated plus-maze test, the SAMP8 control group treated with vehicle had significant increases in the number of entries into open arms and the time spent in open arms in comparison to SAMR1 mice. TRH-SR showed dose-dependent decreases in the number of entries into open arms, and reduced the time spent in open arms in SAMP8 mice. Furthermore, TRH-SR significantly improved the impairment of water maze learning in SAMP8 mice. In contrast, bolus administration of TRH had no significant effects on behavioral abnormalities in SAMP8 even at high doses, implying that long-term and continuous infusion of TRH may be important for amelioration of the behavioral abnormalities. These results suggest that TRH-SR may be useful for treatment of age-related emotional disorders and memory disturbance in dementia.

Establishment and further characterization of a line of transgenic mice showing testicular tumorigenesis at 100% incidence

We have reported production of transgenic mice containing human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E6 and E7 oncogenes in which a characteristic testicular tumor develops at a very high incidence. Three transgenic mice transmitted the transgene to their siblings, in which the same type of tumor developed. In one line, named line 181, this testicular tumor developed in all the 93 males obtained for 10 generations. In most cases, this tumor was detectable bilaterally in the testes 9 to 10 months postdelivery. On cross-matings with other inbred strains, the HPV transgene was dominant in all the genetic backgrounds examined. In the condition of experimental cryptorchidism, obvious delay of tumor formation was observed. In these testes, the tumor cells were seen to arise from the interstitium. Moreover, this tumor also manifested obvious expression of gonadal specific 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) and other enzymes for androgen metabolism. These observations strongly suggest that this tumor has originated from Leydig cells. This transgenic mouse line, therefore, provides a novel system for investigating in vivo carcinogenesis and the mechanism of transformation of male gonadal cells.

Nicotine improves cognitive disturbance in senescence-accelerated mice

Senescence-accelerated mice (SAM), a murine model of age-related deterioration in learning ability, were studied as to the acetylcholine (ACh) contents in the brain tissues and the effect of nicotine administration. We found that the ACh content of SAM-P/8 (accelerated senescence-prone) mice was lower than that of SAM-R/1 (accelerated senescence-resistant) mice in the midbrain thalamus and the hypothalamus. In addition, an IP administration of nicotine was found to improve learning ability of SAM-P/8 as shown by performance of a passive avoidance task. Nicotine may potentiate cognitive function in SAM-P/8.

Dietary butylated hydroxytoluene counteracts with paraquat to reduce the rate of hepatic DNA single strand breaks in senescence-accelerated mice

The present study was designed to assess the age-related changes of DNA single strand breaks (SSB) in the liver of senescence-resistant and senescence-prone mice, SAMR1/Fky and SAMP1@Fky. In the first series of experiments, the animals were fed a commercial diet for 12-18 months. The mice were killed and the livers were excised at 3- or 6-month intervals for the analysis of the rate of DNA SSB by the ethidium bromide fluorescence method. With advancing age, the rate of DNA SSB was increased in both strains of mice but the increase was significantly higher in SAMP1@Fky than in SAMR1/Fky. In the second series of experiments, the mice were fed one of the following diets for 12 weeks: 20% casein diet (basal diet), basal diet with 300 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) added, basal diet with 200 ppm paraquat (PQ) added, and basal diet with 200 ppm PQ plus 300 ppm BHT added. Added dietary PQ increased the rate of DNA SSB in both SAMP1@Fky and SAMR1/Fky. The increases were offset by co-administration of BHT. Dietary BHT, therefore, may suppress the oxidative stress developed by paraquat administration.

A morphometric study of spermatogenesis in the testes of mice of a senescence accelerated strain

The morphometric parameters of spermatogenic cells in a mouse strain prone to accelerated senescence (SAM-P), a novel murine model of spontaneously promoted aging, were compared with those of a SAM resistant strain (SAM-R) after birth until 40 weeks (mean life span of SAM-P). A mixture of gonocytes and spermatogonia were present in the testis in 1-week-old mice, and no gonocytes were observed in 2-week-old mice. At 6 weeks of age, the absolute number of spermatogonia in SAM-P was 27% greater than that in SAM-R, whereas the cell number in 40-week-old SAM-P was 17% less than in SAM-R. Primary spermatocytes were first observed in 3-week-old animals, and the cell numbers in SAM-P at 3, 5 and 6 weeks were 78%, 31% and 25%, respectively, greater than in SAM-R, whereas the cell number in SAM-P at 40 weeks was 30% less than SAM-R. Round spermatids were first observed in all SAM-P at 4 weeks old, but 20% of SAM-R had no spermatids and the rest had only a few. At 5 and 6 weeks old, the absolute numbers of round spermatids in SAM-P were 38% and 41%, respectively, greater than in SAM-R, whereas the cell number in 40-week-old SAM-P was about 34% less than SAM-R. These results indicate that testicular maturation begins at an earlier age in SAM-P than SAM-R. Furthermore, at the age of 40 weeks signs of testicular deterioration are evident in SAM-P mice only.

Molecular biological approaches to aging in Japan: an overview

Progress in molecular biological investigations of aging in Japan is overviewed. Emphasis is put on studies which, in the author's opinion, appear to have considerable relevance to a definition of aging, i.e. functional decline of cells and tissues with advancing age. (1) Changes in the nuclear DNA, most significantly in methylation, and deletions of mitochondrial DNA have been shown to occur with age. (2) Various aspects of protein metabolism have been investigated, i.e. the fidelity of translation, accumulation of altered enzymes, oxidative damage, and half-lives and degradation of proteins. (3) Japanese researchers have made significant contributions to the understanding of the chemical structure and the mechanisms of generation of paired helical filaments in Alzheimer's disease. Also, studies on beta-amyloid peptide are noteworthy. (4) Murine models of aging were developed and molecular biological investigations on them are progressing. Nematodes and fruit flies are also used as models.(5) Changes in gene expression with age have attracted considerable interest.

Age-related changes in levels of the beta-subunit of nerve growth factor in selected regions of the brain: comparison between senescence-accelerated (SAM-P8) and senescence-resistant (SAM-R1) mice

Senescence-accelerated mice (SAM-P8) are characterized as mice in which aging is accelerated and memory disturbances occur. In several regions in the brain of SAM-P8 mice at 2, 4 and 8 months of age, we examined the concentrations of the beta-subunit of nerve growth factor (beta-NGF) and nine kinds of proteins such as S100 beta and alpha B-crystallin, and compared them with those in senescence-resistant mice (SAM-R1, as controls) at corresponding ages. Levels of beta-NGF in the hippocampus of SAM-R1 and SAM-P8 mice were reduced at 8 months of age. However, the decrease was more conspicuous in SAM-R1 than in SAM-P8, resulting in a significant difference between them (P < 0.01). The concentrations of beta-NGF in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum decreased to some extent with age in the control mice while it remained unchanged in the mutant mice. By contrast, the olfactory bulbs from SAM-R1 and SAM-P8 retained almost constant levels of beta-NGF during the first 8 months. However, its level was already higher in SAM-P8 at 2 months than in SAM-R1. Among nine proteins measured here, the acceleration of age-related increase was apparent in the levels of S100 beta and Mn-SOD in the cerebral cortex from SAM-P8. By contrast, the cerebral cortex and cerebellum from SAM-P8 showed tendencies to contain significantly high levels of alpha B-crystallin. These results suggest, at least, the presence of fibrous gliosis at quite an early age as well as the acceleration of senescence, in selected regions of the brain of SAM-P8.

Age-related fibrillar deposits in brains of C57BL/6 mice. A review of localization, staining characteristics, and strain specificity

The present article reviews findings regarding the age-related occurrence of clusters of unusual granules in the brains of C57BL/6 (B6) mice and discusses the potential relevance of this phenomenon as a model of specific aspects of brain aging in humans. The granules occur predominantly in the hippocampus of B6 mice and represent aggregations of fibrillar material that are mostly associated with astrocytes. The deposits become evident at about 4 to 6 mo of age, and increase markedly in both number and size thereafter. Similar structures have been observed in adult senescence accelerated mice (SAM) and have been noted, although very rarely, in older mice from other strains. The deposits appear to manifest dominant genetic heritability. Heparan sulfate proteoglycan and laminin or related molecules have been identified as components of the granular material. Although the deposits do not represent senile plaques with beta-amyloid deposition, they might mimic the deposition of extracellular matrix molecules that is thought to be an early event in amyloidogenesis in the aged brain and in Alzheimer's disease.

Age-related fibrillar material in mouse brain. Assessing its potential as a biomarker of aging and as a model of human neurodegenerative disease

We have described the age-related deposition of fibrillar material in brains of B6 mice and SAM. Since in other inbred strains similar deposits were absent or occurred only occasionally and only in aged individuals, a genetic predisposition of B6 mice and SAM to accumulate the fibrillar material is suggested. The deposits are mostly associated with astrocytic processes and have been referred to as astrocytic inclusions. HSPG- and laminin-like molecules have been identified as components of the fibrillar material. The deposits have similarities with CA in humans, but they also show some important differences; thus there is presently insufficient evidence to consider the deposits the murine equivalent of CA. Although the physiological significance of the fibrillar material is not yet clear, the awareness of the deposits appears pertinent because they might contribute to various aspects of CNS function of susceptible strains of mice, and therefore could lead to possible misinterpretations of the results of studies employing these strains. Future directions of our research will determine the potential of the murine deposits to model aspects of human neuropathology, in particular, whether the deposits may mimic the deposition of ECM molecules as an early-event in the pathogenesis of amyloid plaque formation.

Expression of neurotrophin genes in the brain of senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) during postnatal development

We compared the expression patterns of neurotrophin genes in the brain of senescence-accelerated mouse (SAMP8) which shows age-related impairment of learning behavior, with SAMR1 control which shows normal aging. By Northern blot analysis, NT-3 mRNA levels in the cortex were higher in SAMP8 than in SAMR1 mice during development, whereas in the midbrain, hippocampus and forebrain, NT-3 expression levels in SAMP8 were lower than those in SAMR1. At early stages, although NGF mRNA levels in SAMP8 were lower than those in SAMR1, BDNF mRNA levels were almost equivalent in both strains. By in situ hybridization analysis, NT-3 mRNA signals in the CA1 and CA2 regions in SAMP8 were shown to be reduced at early stages. However, BDNF mRNA signals were almost equivalent in both SAMR1 and SAMP8.

Age-related hearing impairment in senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM)

The auditory brainstem response and histopathology of the cochlea were investigated in an accelerated senescence-prone strain, SAM-P/1 mice and a senescence-resistant strain, SAM-R/1 mice. Each strain displayed an age-related auditory loss expressed as elevated thresholds similar to human hearing loss in that high-frequency losses occurred earlier than middle- or low-frequency losses. SAM-P/1 showed a more rapid decline of hearing with age than did SAM-R/1. Interpeak intervals I-III and I-IV were prolonged with age in both strains, especially at high frequency. The prolongation was more marked in SAM-P/1 than in SAM-R/1. The decrease in amplitude of wave I observed in both strains was greater in SAM-P/1 than in SAM-R/1. The auditory function assessed by thresholds, interpeak intervals and amplitudes of wave I in SAM-P/1 at 12 months of age corresponded roughly to that in SAM-R/1 at 20 months of age. In morphological studies, there was an age-related decrease in the cell density as well as in the size of spiral ganglion neurons in both strains, but these changes were more pronounced in SAM-P/1 than in SAM-R/1. These results reveal that age-related hearing impairment associated with morphological changes in the cochlea is manifested earlier and progresses more rapidly in SAM-P/1 than in SAM-R/1. Thus, the SAM-P/1 strain should prove useful as a model of presbycusis.

Accelerated aging of dermal fibroblast-like cells from senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM). 1. Acceleration of population aging in vitro

Fibroblast-like cells were isolated from the senescence accelerated mouse (SAM) and cultured, after which evidence of accelerated senescence was sought. Fibroblast-like cell lines were established from the dorsal dermis of neonate mice of both the accelerated senescence-prone strain, SAMP11 and the accelerated senescence-resistant strain, SAMR1. All cell lines from both strains showed a crisis in growth and were immortalized. At crisis, all cultures were composed of morphologically characteristic senescent cells. However, in cell lines from SAMP11, this change was more rapid and at earlier population doublings (PDs) than seen in cell lines from SAMR1. Crises (SAMP11; SAMR1) were also operationally taken to be the point of the least change in PDs (11.2 +/- 1.1; 15.4 +/- 0.5 PDs), the least saturation density (11.3 +/- 0.8; 19.1 +/- 2.6 PDs), and the longest population doubling time (10.1 +/- 0.8; 14.2 +/- 0.6 PDs). Crisis occurred significantly earlier (P < 0.05) and the aging process was accelerated in cell lines from SAMP11, compared with lines from SAMR1. This evidence tends to support various observations made in the accelerated senescence-prone strains of SAMP, in vivo.

Localization of atrophy-prone areas in the aging mouse brain: comparison between the brain atrophy model SAM-P/10 and the normal control SAM-R/1

Mouse inbred strain "SAM-P/10" (Senescence Accelerated Mouse) is a model of age-related brain atrophy. In this strain there is an earlier and more severe age-related deterioration in the conditional avoidance learning than the normal control inbred SAM-R/1 strain. The present study analysed age-related changes in brain area size using a computerized morphometric method. The region most vulnerable to age-related atrophy in SAM-P/10 was the frontal region of the cerebral cortex, including the prefrontal cortex. Other neocortical regions underwent diffuse atrophy. Posterior piriform cortex, entorhinal cortex, anterior olfactory nucleus, amygdala, caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens and cerebellar cortex were atrophy-prone regions. The septum also underwent atrophy but other basal forebrain structures were intact. The hippocampus, diencephalon and brainstem structures showed no atrophic change. White matter structures did not change in size with aging except for the forceps minor of the corpus callosum, which showed age-related atrophy. On the contrary, SAM-R/1 showed a significant age-related atrophy only in a restricted part of the cerebral cortex, mainly in the parietal region. Other cortical regions, subcortical structures, diencephalon, brainstem structures, cerebellum and white matter were atrophy-resistant in SAM-R/1. The prefrontal cortex, entorhinal cortex, piriform cortex and striatum are closely interconnected and also connect with the amygdala which plays a key role in conditioning in the rodent. Age-related atrophy in all these structures in SAM-P/10 presumably accounts for the age-related deficits in conditional avoidance learning in this strain of mouse. Comparison between SAM-P/10 and SAM-R/1 or other well-known rodents indicates that SAM-P/10 is a unique rodent that spontaneously and rapidly develops progressive generalized cerebral atrophy, which is considered to be a pathological process rather than an accelerated aging process.

Modification of strain-specific femoral bone density by bone marrow-derived factors administered neonatally: a study on the spontaneously osteoporotic mouse, SAMP6

SAMP6 is a recently developed strain of osteoporotic mice, and SAMP2 is a control for SAMP6 and has a higher peak bone mass. The bone mass of SAMP6 was increased until 2 months of age when a lysate of cells derived from the bone marrow of SAMP2 was injected at 1 or 4 days of age, but it was not increased when the lysate was injected at 21 days of age. No effect on bone mass was observed when lysates of other cells, bovine serum albumin or heat-inactivated lysate of bone marrow-derived cells of SAMP2, were injected. The ability to increase bone mass was not in the supernatant but in the pellet obtained by ultracentrifugation (105,000 g) of the lysate of bone marrow-derived cells of SAMP2. The lysate did not change the osteoclast surface but changed the appositional bone formation. In conclusion, the lysate of cells derived from the bone marrow of SAMP2 contains factors which can increase the bone mass of SAMP6, and these factors are present in the pellet obtained by ultracentrifugation.