The optimal dosage of (-)deprenyl for increasing superoxide dismutase activities in several brain regions decreases with age in male Fischer 344 rats

Protective effects of selegiline against amyloid beta-induced anxiety-like behavior and memory impairment

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex and common neurodegenerative disorder. The present study aimed to investigate the potential effects of selegiline (SEL) on various aspects of memory performance, anxiety, and oxidative stress in an AD rat model induced by intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid beta1-42 (Aβ1-42).

METHODS

Oral administration of SEL at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day was performed for 30 consecutive days. Following the 30 days, several tests, including the open-field, elevated plus-maze, novel object recognition, Morris water maze, and passive avoidance learning were conducted to assess locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior, recognition memory, spatial memory, and passive avoidance memory, respectively.

RESULTS

The results indicate that the induction of AD in rats led to recognition memory, spatial memory, and passive avoidance memory impairments, as well as increased anxiety. Additionally, the AD rats exhibited a decrease in total antioxidant capacity and an increase in total oxidant status levels, suggesting an imbalance in oxidative-antioxidant status. However, the administration of SEL improved memory performance, reduced anxiety, and modulated oxidative-antioxidant status in AD rats.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide evidence that SEL may alleviate anxiety-like behavior and cognitive deficits induced by Aβ through modulation of oxidative-antioxidant status.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and neuroprotection: a review

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors have been available for more than 50 years, initially developed as antidepressants but currently used in a variety of psychiatric and neurological conditions. There has been a recent surge of interest in monoamine oxidase inhibitors because of their reported neuroprotective and/or neurorescue properties. Interestingly, it seems that often these properties are independent of their ability to inhibit monoamine oxidase. This review article presents an overview of the neuroprotective/neurorescue properties of these multifaceted drugs and focuses on phenelzine, (-)-deprenyl, rasagiline, ladostigil, tranylcypromine, moclobemide, and clorgyline and their possible neuroprotective mechanisms.

Deprenyl prevents MPP(+)-induced oxidative damage in PC12 cells by the upregulation of Nrf2-mediated NQO1 expression through the activation of PI3K/Akt and Erk

Neuroprotection has been the focus of several current efforts to develop a strategy for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). The B-type monoamine oxidase (MAO-B) inhibitor deprenyl (selegiline) is used clinically as a PD therapeutic agent, however, its cytoprotective mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we show that deprenyl upregulates the expression and activity of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), attenuates the increase in the quinoprotein levels in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+))-treated PC12 cells, and protects PC12 cells from oxidative damage. Deprenyl triggers the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway by increasing the nuclear translocation and DNA-binding activity of Nrf2. Both the antioxidant activity of deprenyl and its effect on NQO1 upregulation were greatly attenuated in Nrf2 siRNA transfected cells. The phosphorylation of extracellular regulating protein kinase (Erk) and Akt can be induced by the administration of 50μM deprenyl in PC12 cells, and the ability of deprenyl to enhance NQO1 expression and Nrf2 nuclear translocation is partly attenuated by the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059 and is almost completely attenuated by the phosphatidyl-inositol 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002. The activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling by deprenyl in PC12 cells is independent of MAO-B inhibition. Altogether, our findings indicate that deprenyl protects PC12 cells exposed to MPP(+) resulting from oxidative stress via the Nrf2-mediated upregulation of NQO1 involving both the PI3K/Akt and Erk pathways.

Suppression of apoptosis and oxidative stress by deprenyl and estradiol in aged rat liver

Aging is accompanied by significant structural and functional transformations of all organs and systems. Age-associated increase in apoptotic behavior may cause disease. Older cells are more susceptible to endogenous oxidative damage, and oxidative stress is a potent inducer of apoptosis. Deprenyl is an irreversible monoamine-oxidase B inhibitor which has anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects. Estrogen is also a neuroprotective and anti-oxidant hormone. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the anti-oxidative effects of deprenyl can suppress apoptotic activity, with or without estradiol, in aged female rat livers. In this study, ovariectomized female Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups as follows; young (3 months old) saline-treated control, aged (24 months old) saline-treated control, aged deprenyl treated, aged estradiol treated, aged deprenyl plus estradiol treated and aged sham controls. All rats except for the sham group were treated for 21 days. Determination of oxidative stress parameters was performed spectrophotometrically. To detect apoptotic cells, TUNEL staining was performed. The results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA post hoc Bonferroni test. Deprenyl and estradiol administration, alone or in combination, decreased significantly the levels of lipid peroxidation and increased superoxide dismutase activity in the liver relative to aged control and sham rats (P<0.05). The number of TUNEL positive cells decreased significantly in deprenyl and estradiol-treated rats compared with aged control and sham rats. The results indicate that deprenyl treatment alone, or in combination with estradiol, may modulate age-related apoptotic changes in rat liver by decreasing oxidative stress.

Effects of 3-nitropropionic acid administration on memory and hippocampal lipid peroxidation in sleep-deprived mice

Numerous studies have described memory deficits following sleep deprivation. There is also evidence that the absence of sleep increases brain oxidative stress. The present study investigates the effects of a pro-oxidant agent--3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP)--on hippocampal oxidative stress and passive avoidance performance of sleep-deprived mice. Mice were repeatedly treated i.p. with saline or 5 or 15 mg/kg 3-NP and sleep-deprived for 24 h by the multiple platform method--groups of 4-5 animals placed in water tanks, containing 12 platforms (3 cm in diameter) surrounded by water up to 1 cm beneath the surface or kept in their home cage (control groups). The results showed that: (1) neither a 24 h sleep deprivation period nor 3-NP repeated treatment alone were able to induce memory deficits and increased hippocampal lipid peroxidation; (2) this same protocol of sleep deprivation, combined with 15 mg/kg 3-NP repeated treatment, induced memory deficits and an increase in hippocampal lipid peroxidation. The results support the involvement of hippocampal oxidative stress in the memory deficits induced by sleep deprivation and the hypothesis that normal sleep would prevent oxidative stress.

Selegiline Induces Neuronal Phenotype and Neurotrophins Expression in Embryonic Stem Cells

The antiaging effect of selegiline was reported by several investigators; therefore, there is a growing interest in the potential use of stem cell therapy in aging. In this investigation, selegiline was used to induce neuronal differentiation in undifferentiated pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The results show that selegiline can induce neuronal phenotype associated with neurotrophic factor expression. Morphologic and immunohistochemical techniques were used to evaluate the differentiation of the CCE cells, Cresyl violet for the morphologic study, anti-synaptophysin and antityrosine hydroxylase antibodies for characterizing the neuronal phenotype of ESCs, and RT-PCR to study the neurotrophins. The results showed that selegiline can induce dose-dependent ESC differentiation into neurons. Moreover, selegiline can induce neurotrophin expression. This study suggests the potential use of combined selegiline and stem cell therapy to improve deficits in neurodegenerative diseases in aging.

Dose-dependency of Life Span Prolongation of F344/DuCrj Rats Injected with (−)deprenyl

The effect of (-)deprenyl (D) on prolonging survival has previously been reported in different species of animals. In rats, three studies reported a positive effect, while one study reported a shortening of life spans. In the present study, we attempted to clarify past discrepancies in the results based on the speculation that there exists a certain effective dose range for this effect of the drug. F344/DuCrj rats of both sexes began to receive subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of D at the age of 18 months at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg/injection (inj.), 3 times a week. Control animals were given a vehicle (a saline solution). Average life spans of animals (days) were significantly increased in both male (895 +/- 109.7, n=30; 967.8 +/- 88.6, n=30, control vs. D treated, P<0.01, t-test) and female (924.7 +/- 132.2, n=38; 987.1 +/- 133.4, n=39, P<0.05) rats by 8.1% and 6.7%, respectively. We have previously reported that a dose of 0.5mg/kg/inj. (s.c.) significantly increased the life span of male F344 rats, while a dose of 1.0 mg/kg/inj. somewhat shortened the life span, although the difference was not statistically significant. The results of the present study coupled with our previous reports clearly indicate that a proper dose of D within a certain dose range can significantly increase the life span of animals of both sexes, but that a greater dose becomes less effective and may actually adversely affect the life span of rats. The presence of this effective dose range of D may explain discrepancies in the effect of D on life spans of animals previously reported.

Selegiline modifies the extinction of responding following morphine self-administration, but does not alter cue-induced reinstatement, reacquisition of morphine reinforcement, or precipitated withdrawal

Selegiline is an irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO) with psychostimulant and neuroprotective effects which can prevent decreases in dopamine efflux that follow opiate withdrawal. The present study evaluated effects of selegiline treatment on morphine-seeking behavior and morphine reinforcement in Wistar rats (n = 26). In additional animals (n = 30), the ability of single doses of selegiline to modify naloxone-precipitated withdrawal was determined. After pretreatment with noncontingent morphine to establish opiate dependence, rats acquired self-administration of intravenous morphine. Daily intravenous treatment with saline or 2.0mg kg(-1) doses of selegiline was then initiated and continued over 14 days during extinction, reinstatement, and reacquisition of morphine self-administration. To reduce the potential for psychostimulant effects, selegiline was administered approximately 1h following self-administration, extinction, or reinstatement sessions. In some animals (n = 23), effects of saline or selegiline administration on locomotor activity were determined following extinction sessions. Daily selegiline treatment decreased the number of ratios completed and increased response latency during extinction, without modifying these measures during reinstatement or reacquisition of morphine self-administration. Chronic selegiline treatment increased locomotor activity recorded between 4 and 7h after selegiline administration on day 7 of extinction, but otherwise did not alter locomotor activity. Pretreatment with single, 2.0mg kg(-1) doses of selegiline did not modify naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. In conclusion, pretreatment with selegiline produced only a small decrease in responding during extinction of morphine self-administration and did not modify cue-induced reinstatement of morphine-seeking behavior, reacquisition or morphine reinforcement, or precipitated withdrawal.

Effects of high-dose selegiline on morphine reinforcement and precipitated withdrawal in dependent rats

Selegiline is an irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO) with psychostimulant and neuroprotective effects. Several lines of evidence suggest that treatment with selegiline at doses that exceed levels required for inhibition of MAO can produce distinct pharmacologic effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic treatment with high-dose selegiline on extinction responding, cue-induced reinstatement, morphine reinforcement and naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. After pretreatment with noncontingent morphine to establish opiate dependence, rats acquired self-administration of 3.2 mg/kg per injection of morphine under a progressive ratio schedule. Daily treatment with saline or 6.4 mg/kg per day of selegiline was then administered over extinction, reinstatement and re-acquisition of morphine self-administration. To enhance or diminish the potential for psychostimulant effects, selegiline was administered either immediately prior to (pre-session) or 1 h following (post-session) extinction, reinstatement and self-administration sessions. Pre-session selegiline decreased the number of ratios completed on days 2, 3 and 4 of extinction, and decreased morphine self-administration during all four re-acquisition sessions. When administered at the same dose level, post-session selegiline decreased responding on the fourth extinction session, and was ineffective in modifying re-acquisition of self-administration. Selegiline administered by either schedule did not modify cue-induced reinstatement. Daily treatment with 6.4 mg/kg per day of selegiline did not modify self-administration of food under a progressive ratio schedule. Acute treatment with single, 6.4 mg/kg doses of selegiline attenuated naloxone-induced increases in ptosis and global withdrawal score, but did not modify any other sign of withdrawal or global withdrawal score calculated without ratings of ptosis. In conclusion, high-dose selegiline can attenuate extinction responding and morphine-reinforced behavior, and these effects may be mediated by psychostimulant metabolites.

Aging-related increase in oxidative stress correlates with developmental pattern of beta-secretase activity and beta-amyloid plaque formation in transgenic Tg2576 mice with Alzheimer-like pathology

The molecular mechanisms of beta-amyloidogenesis in sporadic Alzheimer's disease are still poorly understood. To reveal whether aging-associated increases in brain oxidative stress and inflammation may trigger onset or progression of beta-amyloid deposition, a transgenic mouse (Tg2576) that express the Swedish double mutation of human amyloid precursor protein (APP) was used as animal model to study the developmental pattern of markers of oxidative stress and APP processing. In Tg2576 mouse brain, cortical levels of soluble beta-amyloid (1-40) and (1-42) steadily increased with age, but significant deposition of fibrillary beta-amyloid in cortical areas did not occur before postnatal age of 10 months. The slope of increase in cerebral cortical beta-secretase (BACE1) activities in Tg2576 mice between ages of 9 and 13 months was significantly higher as compared to that of the alpha-secretase, while the expression level of BACE1 protein and mRNA did not change with age. The activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in cortical tissue from Tg2576 mice steadily increased from postnatal age 9-12 months. The levels of cortical nitric oxide, and reactive nitrogen species demonstrated peak values around 9 months of age, while the level of interleukin-1beta steadily increased from postnatal month 13 onwards. The developmental temporal coincidence of increased levels of reactive nitrogen species and antioxidative enzymes with the onset of beta-amyloid plaque deposition provides further evidence that developmentally and aging-induced alterations in brain oxidative status exhibit a major factor in triggering enhanced production and deposition of beta-amyloid, and potentially predispose to Alzheimer's disease.

Role of hippocampal oxidative stress in memory deficits induced by sleep deprivation in mice

Numerous animal and clinical studies have described memory deficits following sleep deprivation. There is also evidence that the absence of sleep increases brain oxidative stress. The present study investigates the role of hippocampal oxidative stress in memory deficits induced by sleep deprivation in mice. Mice were sleep deprived for 72 h by the multiple platform method-groups of 4-6 animals were placed in water tanks, containing 12 platforms (3 cm in diameter) surrounded by water up to 1 cm beneath the surface. Mice kept in their home cage or placed onto larger platforms were used as control groups. The results showed that hippocampal oxidized/reduced glutathione ratio as well as lipid peroxidation of sleep-deprived mice was significantly increased compared to control groups. The same procedure of sleep deprivation led to a passive avoidance retention deficit. Both passive avoidance retention deficit and increased hippocampal lipid peroxidation were prevented by repeated treatment (15 consecutive days, i.p.) with the antioxidant agents melatonin (5 mg/kg), N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone (200 mg/kg) or vitamin E (40 mg/kg). The results indicate an important role of hippocampal oxidative stress in passive avoidance memory deficits induced by sleep deprivation in mice.

Effects of short- and long-term (--)-deprenyl administration on mRNA for copper, zinc- and manganese-superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in rat brain

The effect of short-term (3 weeks, 2 mg/kg day) and long-term (12 and 20 months, 0.5 mg/kg day) administration of (-)-deprenyl on the mRNA expression of three neuroprotective enzymes in subdivisions of rat basal ganglia was investigated. In situ hybridisation histochemistry with oligodeoxynucleotide probes was used to measure levels of copper, zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) mRNA. The 3-week administration of (-)-deprenyl caused a significant increase in Cu,Zn-SOD mRNA in the nucleus accumbens (NA) (P<0.05), striatum (CP) (P<0.01), and globus pallidus (GP) (P<0.05), but had no effect on Mn-SOD or GPX mRNA levels throughout basal ganglia. In rats which received (-)-deprenyl for 12 months, there was a significant increase in Mn-SOD mRNA in the NA, CP, GP, and substantia nigra (SN) (all P<0.05); there were no changes in either Cu,Zn-SOD or GPX mRNA. Except for the significant increase in Cu,Zn-SOD mRNA in SN pars compacta (SC) (P<0.05), by 20 months there were almost no differences between (-)-deprenyl-treated and age-matched control animals that had received equivalent injections of saline. We conclude that (-)-deprenyl administration can induce mRNA expression for both forms of SOD, but the effects are variable and not sustained over 20 months.

Why (--)deprenyl prolongs survivals of experimental animals: increase of anti-oxidant enzymes in brain and other body tissues as well as mobilization of various humoral factors may lead to systemic anti-aging effects

(--)Deprenyl, a monoamine oxidase B (MAO B) inhibitor is known to upregulate activities of anti-oxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in brain dopaminergic regions. The drug is also the sole chemical which has been repeatedly shown to increase life spans of several animal species including rats, mice, hamsters and dogs. Further, the drug was recently found to enhance anti-oxidant enzyme activities not only in brain dopaminergic regions but also in extra-brain tissues such as the heart, kidneys, adrenal glands and the spleen. We and others have also observed mobilization of many humoral factors (interferone (INF)-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukine (IL)-1beta,2,6, trophic factors, etc.) and enhancement of natural killer (NK) cell functions by (-)deprenyl administration. An apparent extension of life spans of experimental animals reported in the past may be better explained by these new observations that (-)deprenyl upregulate SOD and CAT activities not only in the brain but also in extra-brain vital organs and involve anti-tumorigenic as well as immunomodulatory effect as well. These combined drug effects may lead to the protection of the homeostatic regulations of the neuro-immuno-endocrine axis of an organism against aging.

Pharmacological interventions in aging and age-associated disorders: potentials of propargylamines for human use

Past studies including our own have confirmed that chronic administration of deprenyl can prolong life spans of at least four different animal species. Pretreatment with the drug for several weeks increases activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in selective brain regions. An up-regulation of antioxidant enzyme activities can also be induced in organs such as the heart, kidney, spleen, and adrenal gland, and all are accompanied by an increase in mRNA levels for SODs in these organs. The effect of deprenyl on enzyme activities has a dose-effect relationship of a typical inverted U shape. A similar inverted U shape also has emerged for the drug's effect on survival of animals. An apparent parallelism observed between these two effects of the drug seems to support our contention that the up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes is at least partially responsible for the life-prolonging effect on animals. Further, when a clinically applied dose of the drug for patients with Parkinson's disease was given to monkeys, SOD and CAT activities were increased in striatum of these monkeys, which suggests potential for the drug's applicability to humans. The drug was also found to increase concentrations of cytokines such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the above rat organs. Together with past reports demonstrating that deprenyl increases natural killer (NK) cell functions and interferon-gamma, and prevents the occurrence of malignant tumors in rodents and dogs, the mobilization of these humoral factors may therefore be included as possible mechanisms of action of deprenyl for its diverse antiaging and life-prolonging effects. The potentials of propargylamines, (-)deprenyl in particular, for human use as antiaging drugs remain worthy of exploration in the future.

Morphometric evaluation of the neuroprotective effect of deprenyl on postaxotomic motor neuron losses

Newborn rats were used to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of deprenyl on spinal motor neurons. The left sides were axotomized at age day 5 and the right sides were kept as a control. One hour after surgery, the operated animals received a daily dose of deprenyl intraperitoneally for 21 days. Each group received 0.25, 10, 30, 45, 60, or 75 mg/kg. The control side received the vehicle only. The number of motor neurons in the L4 through L6 spinal segments in all groups was counted, and the results were tested for normality using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The number of the motor neurons at the axotomized treated sides were compared with those of the intact treated sides using analysis of variance. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in all groups except for the highest dose (75 mg/kg). The results in the untreated control showed a significant reduction in the percentage of motor neurons in the axotomized untreated group (-25.6%). The percentages of neuronal response and the percentages of maximal response were calculated, and the results show a sustained increase in percentage of neuronal response, with the highest response at a dose of 45 mg/kg followed by a decline. The results of the regression analysis show that there were two phases in the spinal motor neuron response: an initial neuroprotective phase followed by a neurotoxic declining phase. This study confirms the neuroprotectivity of motor neurons by deprenyl.

Biphasic effects of selegiline on striatal dopamine: lack of effect on methamphetamine-induced dopamine depletion

We tested the hypothesis that selegiline can attenuate dopamine depletion if administered following high doses of methamphetamine that cause neurotoxicity in the striatum. Methamphetamine produced decreases of 50% or greater in both striatal concentrations of dopamine and combined concentrations of homovanillic acid and DOPAC in mice. For animals not exposed to methamphetamine, chronic treatment with selegiline over 18 days caused biphasic effects on striatal dopamine content, with decreases, no effect, or increases observed for mice receiving treatment with 0.02, 0.2, and 2.0 mg/kg, respectively. Selegiline failed to modify methamphetamine-induced reductions in striatal dopamine content or combined concentrations of homovanillic acid and DOPAC. Significant increases in mortality following the onset of selegiline treatment (24 hours after the initial dose of methamphetamine) occurred in methamphetamine-treated mice that received saline or 2.0 mg/kg of selegiline, but not for mice treated with 0.02 or 0.2 mg/kg of selegiline. These results indicate that selegiline fails to attenuate dopamine depletion when administered chronically following exposure to methamphetamine, but may attenuate methamphetamine-induced mortality. In control animals that did not receive methamphetamine, low doses of selegiline produced decreases the concentration of striatal dopamine, while high dose treatment caused increases in striatal dopamine content.

Common properties for propargylamines of enhancing superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the dopaminergic system in the rat: implications for the life prolonging effect of (-)deprenyl

(-)Deprenyl has been reported to prolong the life span of different animal species. Further, the drug effectively increases antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in brain dopaminergic regions. We have found that the effect of the drug on antioxidant enzyme activities is highly dose dependent, increasing with an increasing dose, however, a higher dose becomes less effective and an excessive dose becomes adversely effective. Most importantly, an optimal dose for the effect varies widely depending on animal species, strain, sex, age and duration of the treatment, which may at least partly explain discrepancies reported among different studies in the past. From the parallelism of the dose-effect relationship of the drug between life span extension and increasing endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity, we have suggested that the above two effects of (-)deprenyl may be causally related. This review summarizes our past series of studies and also reports our very recent observation that other propargylamines such as rasagiline and (R)-N-(2-heptyl)-N-methylpropagylamine (R-2HMP) also share the property of enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities. Further, our most recent study has found that these propargylamines increase antioxidant enzyme activities not only in brain dopaminergic regions but in extra-brain dopaminergic tissues such as the heart and kidneys. These observations are discussed in relation to the life prolonging effect of (-)deprenyl reported in the past.

Do antioxidant strategies work against aging and age-associated disorders? Propargylamines: a possible antioxidant strategy

The free radical theory of aging was initially proposed by Harman half a century ago primarily to explain biological aging processes. Although administration of so-called antioxidant chemicals, which have been tested in the past for several decades, turned out to be mostly ineffective in prolonging the life spans of animals, the same theory of age-associated diseases appears to be increasingly supported in the last two decades. Despite these difficulties, the success in extending life span of 4 different animal species (mice, rats, hamsters, and dogs) with (-)deprenyl (including a study of our group) indicates that there might exist another type of antioxidant strategy in addition to a simple administration of antioxidant chemicals. (-)Deprenyl has also been shown to increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities selectively in brain dopaminergic tissues. Interestingly, we have recently shown that another propargylamine, rasagiline not only increases antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT and SOD) in brain dopaminergic regions as (-)deprenyl does, but also increases CAT and SOD activities in extrabrain catecholaminergic systems such as the heart and kidneys as well. These recent observations coupled with previous observations on the life span of animals with (-)deprenyl suggest that pharmacological modulation of endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities could be one potential antioxidant strategy against aging and age-associated disorders. If the causal relationship between the two effects of (-)deprenyl exists as we hypothesized, we might be able to advance the elucidation of mechanism(s) of aging based on the free radical theory of aging.

Parkinson's disease therapy: tailoring choices for early and late disease, young and old patients

Advances in the understanding of basal ganglia circuitry and its altered function in disease states such as Parkinson's disease (PD), coupled with new insights into the mechanisms of cell death and new findings from therapeutic clinical trials, are being translated into clinical practice. Although levodopa (L-Dopa) remains the most effective drug in the symptomatic treatment of PD, the emergence of side effects, particularly motor fluctuations and dyskinesias, limits its usefulness. Therefore, many parkinsonologists now advocate therapeutic strategies designed to delay the onset of L-Dopa therapy to delay the onset of L-Dopa-related motor complications. The therapeutic approach to PD, however, must be individualized and based on factors such as age of the patient, stage of the disease, and degree of interference of the symptoms with social and occupational functioning, associated symptoms such as cognitive impairment, and response to treatment. This review summarizes the current therapeutic strategies, but it is important to emphasize that the treatment recommendations must be tailored to the needs of individual patients.

Long-term effects of pergolide and (-)-deprenyl on 3H-mazindol and 3H-spiperone binding in rat brain

The effects of long-term administration of the putative neuroprotective agents pergolide and (-)-deprenyl was assessed by studying 3H-mazindol and 3H-spiperone binding at 12 and 20 months in the major dopamine brain regions. Male Wistar rats were treated from 3 to 20 months, together with their respective untreated and saline injected control groups. The main findings were: 1) there was a decrease in both 3H-mazindol and 3H-spiperone binding with age between 12 and 20 months; 2) there were no differences at 20 months between the pergolide or the (-)-deprenyl treated groups and their controls, thus providing no evidence for long-term neuroprotection; and 3) there was a marked decrease in 3H-mazindol binding in the injected controls compared with the untreated controls at both 12 and 20 months. This raises the possibility that mild chronic stress may accelerate the aging of the dopamine system.

Pharmacological modifications of endogenous antioxidant enzymes with special reference to the effects of deprenyl: a possible antioxidant strategy

Limited information is available on the upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes by means of administering various pharmaceuticals and/or chemicals. It has been reported that ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a bile acid originally identified from black bear bile (a Chinese medicine, Yutan) increased glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities in mouse livers, resulting in a decrease in systemic lethal toxicity of orally challenged 1-2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene (DCNB). Also, ursolic acid found in herbal medicines (e.g. leaves of loquat) was reported to increase catalase (CAT) activities in mouse liver. Interestingly, the chemical structures of these two compounds are surprisingly similar to each other, despite the difference in their original sources. These results suggest that in the future, more and more compounds will be found to have effects on increasing endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities. Deprenyl is a monoamine oxidase B inhibitor but also possesses many other different pharmacological activities. Among these various pharmacological effects of deprenyl, a possible causal relationship between two effects of deprenyl, namely the prolongation of the survival of animals and upregulation of antioxidant enzymes in selective brain regions, has been postulated by the authors. In at least four different animal species (rats, mice, hamsters and dogs), a significant prolongation of survival by chronic administration of the drug has been reported by different groups including that of the authors. This group has reported that repeated administration of the drug for 2-3 weeks can significantly increase activities of both types of superoxide dismutase (SODs) (Cu, Zn-, and Mn-SODs) as well as of CAT selectively in brain dopaminergic regions. Both effects are dose dependent but excessive dosages become less effective and even cause an adverse effect (i.e. a decrease in enzyme activities and shortening of life span). The parallelism of the dose-effect relationship between the two phenomena suggests that modification of SOD and CAT levels is one possible mechanism for deprenyl's ability to prolong the life span of animals.

Assessing the effects of deprenyl on longevity and antioxidant defenses in different animal models

Among many pharmaceuticals that have been tested for their effects on longevities of different animal rodents, deprenyl is unique in that its effects on longevity has been tested in at least four different animal species by independent research groups and that the effect has been postulated to be due to its effect of raising such antioxidant enzyme activities as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in selective brain regions. Thus far, in all four species of animals examined (rats, mice, hamsters, and dogs), a positive effect was demonstrated, although the extent of its effect is quite variable. Our group has examined the effect on longevities in rats and mice and on antioxidant enzymes in rats, mice, and dogs. Although in rats of both sexes, we have obtained positive effects on longevity, two studies with different doses in mice did not reveal a significantly positive effect. We have observed, however, significantly positive effects on SOD (in Cu, Zn-, and Mn-) as well as CAT (but not glutathione peroxidase) activities in the brain dopaminergic system such as in the S. nigra and striatum (but not in hippocampus) in all rats, mice, and dogs, although the effects were quite variable, depending on the doses used. In mice, however, a long-term administration (3x/w, 3 months) caused a remarkable decrease in the magnitude of activity as well as a narrowing of the effective dose range, which may explain a relatively weak effect of the drug on mouse longevity. Further, a recent study on aging beagle dogs by Ruehl et al. showed a remarkable effect on longevity, which agrees with our SOD study in dogs. Although deprenyl has been claimed to have several other effects, such as a radical scavenging effect and a neuroprotective effect, past reports on its effects on longevities and antioxidant defenses are compatible with the notion that the drug prolongs the life span of animals by reducing the oxidative damage to the brain dopaminergic system during aging. Further, our studies on F-344 rats as well as a dog study by Ruehl et al. suggest that the drug may at least partially prolong the life span of animals by enhancing immune system function and preventing tumor development in animals.

Effect of the MAO-B inhibitor, MDL72974, on superoxide dismutase activity and lipid peroxidation levels in the mouse brain

MDL72974 is a member of a series of MAO-B inhibitors to be used as potential therapeutic agents in the treatment of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. However, we have recently observed a reduction in the density of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in the substantia nigra of mice treated with MDL72974. As oxidative stress is known to play a significant role in the nigrostriatal pathway, analysis of the relationship between TH+ cell losses induced by MDL72974 and by free radical production was investigated in the present study. Results demonstrate a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, a key antioxidant, in the striatum and cerebellum of MDL72974-treated mice, presumably in response to free radical production. An increase in lipid peroxidation levels was also observed in the striatum of these animals in a manner which is consistent with oxidative stress-inducing agents. We therefore suggest that MDL72974 may be detrimental to dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal pathway via free radical-mediated reactions.

The effect of L-deprenyl, D-deprenyl and MDL72974 on mitochondrial respiration: a possible mechanism leading to an adaptive increase in superoxide dismutase activity

L-Deprenyl is an irreversible monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor with a complex pharmacological profile. For instance, L-deprenyl administration to rat and mice increases cytosolic CuZn- and mitochondrial Mn-superoxide dismutase activities in the striatum. CuZn- and Mn-superoxide dismutase are enzymes involved in defense against superoxide (O2.) radicals. Hence, an increase in CuZn- and Mn-superoxide dismutase activities is suggestive of oxidative stress. The major intracellular site of O2. radicals formation is the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Several reports indicated that alterations in mitochondrial respiratory functions enhances O2. production. We observed that L-deprenyl induced a dose-dependent inhibition of oxygen (O2) consumption (state 3) during ATP synthesis in presence of complex I (pyruvate and malate) and complex II (succinate) substrates in fresh mitochondrial preparations. D-Deprenyl produced a similar inhibitory profile whereas MDL72974, a selective monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor, was less effective. Administration of D-deprenyl or MDL72974 to mice resulted in an increase in both striatal CuZn- and -Mn-superoxide dismutase activities. Accordingly, we propose that the impairment of mitochondrial respiratory functions which stimulates O2. formation could modulate CuZn- and Mn-superoxide dismutase activities, through a mechanism that appears to be independent of monoamine oxidase-B inhibition.

Slow recovery of human brain MAO B after L-deprenyl (Selegeline) withdrawal

L-Deprenyl (Selegeline) is an enzyme-activated irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase B (MAO B; EC 1.4.3.4). It is used to treat Parkinson's disease at a dose of 5 mg twice a day. Since enzyme inhibition is irreversible, the recovery of functional enzyme activity after withdrawal from L-deprenyl requires the synthesis of new enzyme. We have measured a 40 day half-time for brain MAO B synthesis in Parkinson's disease and in normal subjects after withdrawal from L-deprenyl. This is the first measurement of the synthesis rate of a specific protein in the living human brain. L-Deprenyl is currently used by 50,000 patients with Parkinson's disease in the United States and its use is expected to increase with reports that it may be beneficial in Alzheimer's disease. The slow turnover of brain MAO B suggests that the current clinical dose of L-deprenyl may be excessive and that the clinical efficacy of reduced dosing should be evaluated. Such an evaluation may have mechanistic importance as well as an impact on reducing the side effects and the costs arising from excessive drug use.

(-)Deprenyl increases the life span as well as activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase but not of glutathione peroxidase in selective brain regions in Fischer rats

(-)Deprenyl, a MAO-B inhibitor that is also known to be effective for symptoms of Parkinson's disease, when injected subcutaneously (sc) in male Fischer-344 rats at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg per day (3 times a week) from 18 months of age, significantly increased the remaining life expectancy. The average life span after 24 months was 34% greater in treated rats than in saline-treated control animals. Furthermore, a short-term (3 wk) continuous sc infusion of deprenyl significantly increased activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase but not of glutathione peroxidase in selective brain regions such as s. nigra, striatum, and cerebral cortex, but not in hippocampus or cerebellum, or the liver. The optimal dose for increasing these activities, however, differed greatly depending on the sex and age of animals, with a 10-fold lower value for young female than male rats. Interestingly, aging caused an increase and a decrease in the optimal dose in female and male rats, respectively. In addition, treatment for a longer term tended to reduce the optimal dosage in the same animal group. The results clearly demonstrate that deprenyl increases antioxidant enzyme activities in selective brain regions. If this effect of deprenyl is causally related to its life-prolonging effect, the dosage to be used for any life span study would be a critical factor, with the dosage differing widely depending on sex, age of animal, and mode and duration of drug administration.

The effect of a long term (6 months) treatment with (-)deprenyl on antioxidant enzyme activities in selective brain regions in old female Fischer 344 rats

The effect of long term treatment with (-)deprenyl (s.c. injection three times a week for 6 months) on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in selective brain regions was examined in old (22 months) female Fischer 344 rats. The three doses of deprenyl used (0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg/day) increased the activities of both enzymes in substantia nigra, striatum and cerebral cortices essentially in a dose dependent manner. However, for CAT activities in cerebral cortices, the smallest dose of 0.1 mg/kg/day was most effective, while the highest dose (0.5 mg/kg/day) had no effect. In contrast to these brain regions, there were no significant differences in enzyme activities between control and deprenyl-treated groups in the hippocampus and cerebellum. If the effect of deprenyl on the life span of female F-344 rats is causally related to its effect on antioxidant enzyme activities in selective brain regions as shown in this study, then a dose of 0.25 or 0.5 mg/kg/day appears to be most appropriate. Since this dose is much lower than the dose suggested by our previous short term (3 week) experiments, an even longer term experiment is necessary to determine the optimal dose of deprenyl to increase free radical scavenging and thus possibly extend lifespan.

(-)deprenyl increases activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in certain brain regions in old male mice

A subcutaneous continuous infusion of (-)deprenyl for 3 weeks in old C57BL male mice increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in s. nigra, striatum and cerebral cortex but not in hippocampus, cerebellum or liver. The doses of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg/day were most effective, while with a higher dose (2.0 mg/kg/day), deprenyl tended to lose its effect slightly and with a lower dose (0.25 mg/kg/day) deprenyl was clearly less effective. The results suggest that deprenyl can increase antioxidant enzyme activities in certain brain regions in mice as was previously demonstrated in rats of both sexes and different ages; this raises the possibility that deprenyl has this particular effect in animal species other than rats.