In vivo studies on the age-dependent decrease of the rates of total and mRNA synthesis in the brain cortex of rats

Aging membranes: Unexplored functions for lipids in the lifespan of the central nervous system

Lipids constitute a significant group of biological metabolites and the building blocks of all cell membranes. The abundance and stoichiometries of different lipid species are known to vary across the lifespan and metabolic state, yet the functional effects of these changes have been challenging to understand. Here we review the potentially powerful intersection of lipid metabolism, which determines membrane composition, and aging. We first introduce several key lipid classes that are associated with aging and aging-related disease, where they are found in organisms, and how they act on membrane structure and function. Instead of neutral lipids, which have primary roles in energy storage and homeostasis, we review known functions for polar lipids that control the physicochemical properties of cell membranes. We then focus on aging processes in the central nervous system (CNS), which is enriched in lipids and is highly dependent on membrane structure for function. Recent studies show how lipids act not just as biomarkers of aging and associated changes in the CNS, but as direct mediators of these processes. As a model system, we explore how fatty acid composition in the retina impact aging and aging-related disease. We propose that the biophysical effects of membrane structure on fundamental eukaryotic processes - mitochondrial respiration and autophagy - provide avenues by which lipid dysregulation can accelerate aging processes. Finally, we lay out ways in which an increased understanding of lipid membrane biology can be applied to studies of aging and lifespan.

Complementary and integrative treatments: healthy living: strategies to live longer

This article discusses the mechanisms of aging, future areas of exploration, and strategies to achieve successful aging given the current state of medical knowledge. The article begins with mitochondrial function and cell growth and decline, then presents aspects over which humans have control over their health: nutrition, use of nutritional supplementation, body posture, exercise, lifestyle choices, and use of traditional Chinese medicine. The discussion concludes with the role of the physician in offering patient education regarding behaviors for a healthy life.

Effect of age on the activity of ceruloplasmin of human blood

Aminoxidase activity of ceruloplasmin was measured in the serum of 120 people (between 45 and 102 years of age) using the p-phenylenediamine method. A negative linear age-correlation (-30% for the whole lifespan; P < 0.01) was established in this activity with increasing age, nevertheless the total copper content of blood did not change in the same age-range as measured by an atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. Increasing ionic strength, in vitro, caused an exponential decline in blood ceruloplasmin aminoxidase activity of both middle aged and elderly subjects. The age-dependent decrease in ceruloplasmin activity could have a negative effect on the antioxidant functions of blood, and finally on the aging process itself.

Molecular mechanisms of age-related hearing loss

Age-related hearing loss, known as presbyacusis, is characterized by the progressive deterioration of auditory sensitivity associated with aging and is the most common cause of adult auditory deficiency in the United States. Presbyacusis is defined as a progressive, bilateral, high-frequency hearing loss that is manifested on audiometric assessment by a moderately sloping pure tone audiogram. This condition affects approximately 23% of the population between 65 and 75 years of age and 40% of the population older than 75 years of age. In 1980, it was estimated that 11% of the population was 76 years or older and this number is expected to nearly double by the year 2030 [, Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg. 100, 262]. When coupled with the fact that the population over 65 years of age is experiencing the most rapid progression of hearing loss, the potential socioeconomic ramifications are staggering. Interestingly, presbyacusis varies in its frequency across differing societies. This discrepancy has been attributed to many factors such as genetics, diet, socioeconomic factors, and environmental variables [, Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg. 100, 266;. Scand. Audiol. 26 (1997) 133]. The purpose of this discussion is to illuminate the various molecular mechanisms underlying this age-related hearing loss and to offer insights into potential ways to mitigate the effects of aging on hearing impairment.

Pharmacological interventions against aging through the cell plasma membrane: a review of the experimental results obtained in animals and humans

As was shown in a recent review by this author (Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 928: 187-199, 2001), oxyradicals cannot be considered only as harmful by-products of the oxidative metabolism, but living cells and organisms implicitly require their production. This idea is supported by numerous facts and arguments, the most important of which is that the complete inhibition of the oxyradical production by KCN (or by any block of respiration) kills the living organisms long before the energy reserves would be exhausted. This new theoretical approach not only helps our understanding of the normal functions of the living organisms, such as the basic memory mechanisms in the brain cells, but also helps in identifying the site-specific, radical-induced damaging mechanisms that represent the undesirable side effects of oxygen free radicals. First of all, these effects make the cell plasma membrane vulnerable and cause a series of intracellular functional disorders, as described by the membrane hypothesis of aging (MHA). The logical way for any antiaging intervention therefore should be to increase the available number of loosely bound electrons inside the plasma membrane that are easily accessible for OH(*) free radical scavenging. The present review summarizes the available knowledge regarding the theory of the use of membrane-related antiaging pharmaca, like centrophenoxine (CPH), tested in both animal experiments and human clinical trials. A modified, developed version of CPH coded as BCE-001 is also reported.

Genetics, the facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and the future

Predicting the future is a daunting task that is typically reserved for visionaries or tarot card readers. Nonetheless, the challenge is set, and this brief essay will predict how genetics and molecular biology may affect diseases in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

The N-terminally acetylated form of mammalian histone H1(o), but not that of avian histone H5, increases with age

We report here on the HPCE separation of two chicken H5 histones, which do not show the heterogeneity (Gln/Arg) at residue 15 first found by Greenaway and Murray [Greenaway and Murray (1971) Nat. New Biol. 229, 233-238]. The two subfractions obtained were identified using reversed-phase HPLC, hydrophilic interaction HPLC, Edman degradation, and MALDI-MS analysis. We found that the two H5 subcomponents differ only by an acetylated (designated H5a) and an unacetylated N-terminus (H5b). In contrast to the N-terminally acetylated form of rat kidney histone H1(o), which increased by about 40% with aging of the animal, the corresponding form of chicken H5 did not: the ratio N-terminally acetylated: unacetylated remained constant (30:70) when histone H5 was extracted from erythrocytes of newly hatched chickens and from adult chickens, respectively. The HPCE technique used in this investigation represents a quick and convenient method for analyzing N-terminally acetylated proteins in the presence of unacetylated forms.

Reactive oxygen metabolites, antioxidants and head and neck cancer

This manuscript will review the probable role of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) in the etiopathogenesis of head and neck cancer (HNC). Cancer is a heterogeneous disorder with multiple etiologies including somatic and germ-line mutations, cellular homeostatic disturbances, and environmental triggers. Certain etiologies are characteristic of HNC and include infectious agents such as the Epstein-Barr virus, the use of tobacco, and consumption of alcohol. A large body of evidence implicates ROM in tumor formation and promotion. ROM species are formed in the process of cellular respiration, specifically during oxidative phosphorylation. These ubiquitous molecules are highly toxic in the cellular environment. Of the many effects of ROM, especially important are their effect on DNA. Specifically, ROM cause a variety of DNA damage, including insertions, point mutations, and deletions. Thus, it is hypothesized that ROM may be critically involved in the etiology of malignant disease through their possible impact on protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Additionally, empirical evidence suggests that ROM may also affect the balance between apoptosis and cellular proliferation. If apoptotic mechanisms are overwhelmed, uncontrolled cellular proliferation may follow, potentially leading to tumor formation. Thus, this manuscript will critically review the evidence that supports the role of ROM in tumorigenesis. ROM scavengers and blockers have shown both in vivo and in vitro effects of attenuating the toxicity of ROM. Such compounds include the antioxidant vitamins (A, C, and E), nutrient trace elements (selenium), enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase), hormones (melatonin), and a host of natural and synthetic compounds (lazaroids, allopurinol, gingko extract). Thus, this paper will also review the possible benefit derived from the use of such scavengers/blockers in the prevention of HNC.

The microheterogeneity of the mammalian H1(0) histone. Evidence for an age-dependent deamidation

Histone H1(0) is known to consist of two subfractions named H1(0)a and H1(0)b. The present work was performed with the aim of elucidating the nature of these two subfractions. By using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography in combination with hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography, we fractionated human histone H1(0) into even four subfractions. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatographic analysis of the peptide fragments obtained after cleavage with cyanogen bromide and digestion with chymotrypsin suggested that the four H1(0) subfractions differ only in their small N-terminal end of the H1(0) molecule (30 residues). Edman degradation of the N-terminal H1(0) peptide fragments and mass spectra analysis have indicated that human histone H1(0) consists of intact histones H1(0) (named H1(0) Asn-3) and deamidated H1(0) forms (H1(0) Asp-3) having an aspartic acid residue at position 3 instead of asparagine. Moreover, both H1(0) Asn-3 and H1(0) Asp-3 are blocked (H1(0)a Asn-3, H1(0)a Asp-3) and unblocked (H1(0)b Asn-3, H1(0)b Asp-3) on their N terminus. Acid-urea gel electrophoretic analysis has shown that the histone subfraction, in the literature originally named H1(0)a, actually consists of a mixture of H1(0)a Asn-3 and H1(0)a Asp-3, whereas H1(0)b consists of H1(0)b Asn-3 and H1(0)b Asp-3. Furthermore, we found that hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography separates rat and mouse histone H1(0) just like human H1(0) into four subfractions. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatographic analysis of brain and liver histone H1(0) from rats of different ages revealed an age-dependent increase of both the N-terminally acetylated and the deamidated forms of H1(0). In addition, we found that the relative proportions of the four forms of H1(0) histones differ from tissue to tissue.

Total RNA, rRNA and poly(A)+RNA abundances during aging in Caenorhabditis elegans

This is the second in a series of studies in which we characterize gene expression at the level of RNA during aging in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, we quantitatively analyzed total RNA, poly(A)+ RNA, and ribosomal RNA as a function of chronological age in two different strains (TJ1060 and TJ1061) having wild-type life spans and in a long-lived age-1 mutant strain (TJ1062). In addition, we compared the age-dependent abundance patterns of these RNAs in two different culture environments. Total RNA yield did not show a consistent pattern of age-related changes. However, total RNA yield was significantly higher in all three strains when grown on agar than when grown in liquid. In addition, total RNA yield was significantly lower from strain TJ1061 than from strain TJ1060 and TJ1062. Relative to total RNA, rRNA did not exhibit any consistent differences with age, strain or environment. Poly(A)+ RNA decreased by 23-43% in old animals from the long-lived strain and one of the wild-type strains, but was not changed in the second wild-type strain. In addition, control experiments to determine the amount of RNA contributed by E. coli bacteria (present in the nematode culture medium as a food source) suggest that the age-1 mutant strain has a lower bacterial infection rate, which may contribute to the increased life span of this strain.

Age-related change in the amount of ubiquitinated histones in the mouse brain

We investigated age-related changes in the ubiquitination of histones in mouse brains. By Western blot analysis using rabbit anti-ubiquitin antibodies, histone H2A and H2B were found to be the only proteins that are ubiquitinated in the acid-extractable nuclear proteins of both young (4-month-old) and senescent (29-month-old) mouse brains. The proportion of ubiquitinated histones was about 30% higher in senescent mice than in young ones. When total brain homogenates were analyzed similarly using somewhat different age groups of the animals, the proportion in the old animals was about 2-fold higher than that in the young.

The horizons of an interdisciplinary synthesis in experimental gerontology

This review summarizes the main points of an interdisciplinary, theoretically established approach to the problem of cell senescence, called membrane hypothesis of aging (MHA). The main knowledge and some new suggestions regarding the damaging and sometimes useful roles of the oxygen free radicals is outlined. The most important experimental results are listed, which harmonize with the MHA. It is emphasized that MHA is not an alternative to the other aging hypotheses but represents a synthesis of most of them. It is pointed out that the new drug design based on the MHA resulted in a useful new molecule which is able to improve the key cell parameters deteriorated by advancing age. The necessity of a closer international cooperation is emphasized, in order to achieve a breakthrough in experimental gerontology within this century.

The effects of idebenone on DNA and RNA contents as well as synthesis rates of total and poly(A)+ RNA in brain of normal, old C57BL/6J mice and in experimental partial cerebral ischemia of rats

Effects of idebenone on RNA and DNA contents as well as on synthesis rates of total and poly(A)(+) RNA in the brain were measured in two animal models: (1) Normal young and old, male C57BL/6J mice (6 and 32 months). Idebenone suspended in 5% gum arabic was applied in 50 mg/kg/day dose to old mice for 1 month through a gastric tube. (2) Adult female CFY rats (14-18 months) in which experimental partial cerebral ischemia was induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. Idebenone was administered intraperitoneally in two dose (10mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weight) 30 min before the interruption of carotid blood flow. DNA content remained invariate during aging in the brain; idebenone treatment did not exert any influence on this parameter. RNA content as well as total and poly(A)(+) RNA synthesis rates, which were measured by incorporation of tritiated uridine into RNA, decreased significantly with age in brain. Idebenone treatment did not cause any essential change of the metabolism of RNA under the given conditions. The RNA and DNA contents of brain were influenced neither by experimental partial cerebral ischemia nor by treatment with idebenone during the ischemia. Partial cerebral ischemia decreased the rate of total and poly(A)(+) RNA synthesis in the brain about 15-45% depending on the methods and basis of expression. This decline could totally be prevented by intraperitoneal application of 10 mg/kg idebenone 30 min before the onset of the partial ischemia. The dose of 100 mg/kg idebenone also elevated the rate of RNA synthesis; however, this increase remained statistically insignificant.

Modulation of tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression in the rat adrenal gland by age and reserpine

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), TH messenger RNA (TH mRNA) and dopamine (DA) were measured simultaneously in adrenal glands of individual Fischer 344 rats aged 2, 6, 13 and 23 months. Between 2 and 23 months TH activity rose 2-fold as compared to the youngest group. TH mRNA content of the adrenal gland rose 3-fold between 2 and 23 months. A 3-fold increase in adrenal DA content, the first catecholamine product of TH, provides evidence that the increases in TH gene expression are functionally significant. To determine if mechanisms that regulate gene expression are altered by aging, the effects of reserpine on induction of TH mRNA and TH activity were compared in another group of rats aged 2, 12 and 27 months. Consistent with the results of the first experiment, there were age-related increases in both TH activity and TH mRNA in the age-matched control groups. TH activity rose 2-fold and TH mRNA rose more than 6-fold between 2 and 27 months. The discrepancy in the relative magnitudes of increases in TH mRNA and TH protein suggest an uncoupling of regulation of TH mRNA and TH protein levels. Moreover, there were significant age-related differences with respect to modulation of TH gene expression by reserpine treatment. TH activity was induced by reserpine in the youngest group, but not in the two older age-groups. In contrast, reserpine caused significant induction of TH mRNA in all age groups. These results provide evidence that aging is accompanied by alterations in transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms involved in regulation of TH gene expression.

On the role of intracellular physicochemistry in quantitative gene expression during aging and the effect of centrophenoxine. A review

The turnover of proteins in biological systems is due mostly to an ever-occurring damaging (cross-linking) effect of the OH. free radicals. The replacement of the damaged proteins requires a continuous gene expression. A key issue of experimental gerontology is why the gene expression maintains the fidelity but loses the speed during aging. The membrane hypothesis of aging (MHA) proposes a cellular mechanism based on the fact that the more compact cellular structures (e.g., membranes) are damaged faster than the more diluted ones (e.g., cytosol). In addition, the cell membrane is exposed also to the residual heat-induced damage deriving from a frequent discharge of its electric polarity. Therefore, one can assume that even an extremely small incompleteness of the replacement of the damaged membrane components per turnover cycle may result in an error accumulation, which may be responsible first for the inhibition of growth, then for aging of cells. In agreement with this hypothesis, neurons display a life-long, gradual loss of the passive potassium permeability of the cell membrane, resulting in a continuous dehydration of the intracellular mass, i.e., an increase of physical density. Theory and experimental models show that this latter process causes a slowing down of all enzyme functions including those realizing the gene expression and the elimination of the damaged components. Increase of the dry mass content of cells and tissues is an obligatory process for maturation; however, later on it leads to aging. The known nootropic effects of centrophenoxine (CPH) can be interpreted on the basis of the OH. radical scavenger properties of dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) which is incorporated in the neuronal membranes of the brain in form of phosphatidyl-DMAE. The protective effects of CPH (and of similar, newly synthesized other drugs) on the membrane components can slow down the age-dependent deteriorations of the intracellular physicochemistry, in agreement with the predictions of the MHA.

Chronic dietary choline influences the permeability of nerve cell membranes as revealed by in vivo Rb+ uptake and release

The effect of chronic choline supplementation on the in vivo Rb+ uptake and release of rat brain cortical cells was investigated. Adult (11 months old) and old (22 months old) controls as well as old (22 months old) female rats treated with choline (approximately 100 mg/day in the drinking water) by the age of 11 months, were used. All the animals received a daily dose of 30 mg RbCl/100 g body weight for 14 days, given intraperitoneally, half in the morning, half in the evening. After discontinuation of the RbCl treatment, the animals were killed at intervals of 2, 4, 9 and 16 days, respectively. The intracellular Rb+ and K+ contents were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, whereas concentrations of these two elements were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the cerebrospinal fluid. Old animals accumulate more Rb+ than the adult ones at any time taken into account. Choline treatment was able to reduce the amount of accumulated Rb+ in the old rats. Rb+-discrimination ratios calculated on the basis of Rb+ and K+ contents of both cortical cells and cerebrospinal fluid, is higher in old rats as compared to both adult and old choline treated rats. Present findings support that chronic choline treatment is effective improving the passive membrane permeability of nerve cells for Rb+ (and K+) in the old animals.

Alkaline phosphatase activity in striated muscle: the effect of aging and long-term training in female mice

Alkaline pNPPase (Alk'ase) activity was measured in bicarbonate buffer and in Triton buffer of striated muscles of aging mice. Between young age (4-9 months) and middle age (13-15 months) the enzyme specific activity increased by 41.8% in the bicarbonate buffer and by 22.6% in the Triton extraction. Thereafter, between middle age and old age (32 months), a marked decrease in enzyme activity took place in both the bicarbonate and Triton extractions (23.5% and 31.4%, respectively). Alk'ase activity in muscles of old mice that had been exposed for prolonged training (12-18 months), did not differ from that of age-matched controls in both types of extracts. However, cysteine, an Alk'ase inhibitor, affected the enzymatic activity in the various samples tested differently: in the bicarbonate buffer its inhibitory effect increased with age and training, whereas in the Triton extraction its effect decreased with age and following training. Thus, it seems conceivable that with age and following long-term physical exercise an overall functional change is taking place in muscle which makes Alk'ase more vulnerable. The membranous Alk'ase, however, appears more resistant to external inhibitors in the form of endurance training and to the aging process.

Memorial lecture: Verzár's ideas on the age-dependent protein cross-linking in the light of the present knowledge

This lecture was aimed to commemorate the centenary of the birthday (18 September 1886) of Fritz Verzár, one of the most important European founders of experimental gerontology. He was an exceptionally creative scientist who contributed considerably to the development of physiology in this century: he achieved important results in the fields of intestinal absorption, in the adrenal gland's function, and finally, from 1952 until his death (1979), he was creator, promotor and one of the best leaders of experimental gerontology. His idea about the age-dependent cross-linking of protein molecules as a general cause of cell aging--studied by him mainly using the collagen as a model, however, extended also to the nucleoproteins--was a pioneer's work. Yet, its significance was not immediately recognized, the contemporary scientists could not interpret his thoughts in the terms of test-tube biochemistry. However, about a decade later, in the sixties and afterwards, an increasing body of evidence has been accumulated indicating that Verzár was right: the most general age-dependent alteration of the proteins in the living systems known so far is a posttranslational modification of their structure and conformation due to the aggressive effects of the oxygen free radicals. Consequences of these thoughts are being realized nowadays in theory and practice. The present generation of scientists expresses its respect and recognition to Fritz Verzár whose life and activity have been teaching us that aging can be understood, if we find the proper theoretical approach to it.

Differential changes of nuclear-envelope-associated enzyme activities involved in nucleocytoplasmic mRNA transport in the developing rat brain and liver

Nucleocytoplasmic transport of rat liver mRNA is thought to be regulated by a nucleoside triphosphatase whose activity in the intact nuclear envelope is stimulated by the 3'poly(A) tail of poly(A)+ mRNA. In contrast to the liver mRNA, the mRNA from rat brain contains a great population of poly(A)- mRNA's that does not appear until after birth. Measurements of the nuclear-envelope-associated enzyme activities involved in mRNA transport, and their dependence on endogenous (isolated cytoplasmic mRNA-transport-stimulating proteins) and exogenous (poly(A), lectins, and neoglycoproteins) factors during prenatal and postnatal rat brain and liver development, revealed marked organ-dependent differences paralleling the appearance of the poly(A)- mRNA unique in the brain.

Vitamin E deficiency alters the in vivo Rb+ discrimination of rat brain cortical cells

The in vivo Rb+ uptake and release of rat brain cortical cells of 11-months-old rats fed with a vitamin E deficient diet was investigated. The animals were treated with a daily dose of 30 mg RbCl/100 g body weight for 14 days. After discontinuation of the RbCl treatment the animals were killed at intervals of 2, 4, 9 and 15 days, respectively. The intracellular Rb+ and K+ contents were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, whereas concentrations of these two ions were determined by atomic absorbtion spectrophotometry in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Vitamin E deficient rats accumulate more Rb+ than age-matched normally fed animals at any time taken into account. Rb+-discrimination ratios calculated on the basis of Rb+ and K+ contents of both, cortical cell cytoplasm and cerebrospinal fluid, are higher in vitamin E deficient rats than in the controls (+20%), which supports the view that the enhanced membrane lipid peroxidation induced by vitamin E deficiency impairs the passive membrane permeability for Rb+ (and K+).

Verification of the membrane hypothesis of aging on the identified giant neurons of the snail Lymnaea stagnalis L. (Gastropoda, Pulmonata) by a combined application of intracellular electrophysiology and X-ray microanalysis

The validity of the membrane hypothesis of aging (Zs.-Nagy, 1978) was tested on identified giant neurons of the snail Lymnaea stagnalis L. by using a combination of intracellular microelectrophysiology and X-ray microanalysis of the intracellular water and electrolyte concentrations on the very same cells. The snails were taken from an inbred stock and divided into young, adult and old age groups (3, 12 and 24 mth, respectively). The giant neuron called LPa-2 from the left parietal ganglion was selected for the studies. The resting potential of the cell membrane was recorded by means of intracellular microelectrode technique. The very same cells were then explored by freeze fracture and analyzed by an energy dispersive bulk specimen method of X-ray microanalysis. The resting membrane potential displayed an age-dependent hyperpolarization, the intracellular water content decreased considerably and the intracellular potassium concentration increased almost 90% by old age. The relative passive permeability ratio for potassium (PK) and chloride (PCl) was calculated from the measured data by means of the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation. Such calculations revealed that PK decreases nearly 50% with age causing the increase of the intracellular potassium content, and this is accompanied also by a significant decrease of the PCl. The results support the validity of the membrane hypothesis of aging and are in agreement with the general knowledge regarding the electrophysiological behaviour of the giant neurons of Gastropode snails.

Alterations in the molecular weight distribution of proteins in rat brain synaptosomes during aging and centrophenoxine treatment of old rats

Properly prepared membrane proteins of brain synaptosomes of 2-, 12- and 24-month-old CFY female rats were filtrated on a Sepharose 2B gel. The molecular weight distribution showed an age-dependence: there was a clear shift toward the higher molecular weights in the adult and old rats. The observed alterations reflect an increased cross-linking of the proteins during aging due most probably to the OH free radical damage of the cell components. Centrophenoxine treatment for 2 months reversed this phenomenon in the old animals: the high molecular weight fractions decreased and the lower ones increased in the treated animals as compared to the old, untreated rats. The results support the membrane hypothesis of aging and contribute to a better understanding of the biological effects of centrophenoxine.

Electron spin resonance spectroscopic demonstration of the hydroxyl free radical scavenger properties of dimethylaminoethanol in spin trapping experiments confirming the molecular basis for the biological effects of centrophenoxine

The ADP-Fe(II)-H2O2 system generates OH free radicals which can be trapped by 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) thus yielding a measurable signal by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The amount of DMPO-OH spin adduct formed under certain conditions decreased considerably, if dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), p-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (PCPA) or centrophenoxine (CPH) were present in comparable concentrations to that of DMPO. It has been demonstrated that such an effect cannot be attributed to any interference of the tested compounds with the Fe(II) and its oxidability by H2O2. The reaction of DMAE with OH free radicals was demonstrated also by using other spin traps. These spin traps reacted with OH free radicals either not at all (phenyl-tert-butylnitrone, PBN) or only to a slight extent (alfa-pyridyl-l-oxide-N-tert-butylnitrone, 4-POBN). DMAE was also a competitive OH free radical scavenger with proline and hydroxyproline, both of which have recently been shown to react with OH free radicals to form nitroxyl free radicals. On the basis of the experimental results, the OH free radical scavenger property of DMAE can be regarded as firmly established. This result supports the molecular mechanism proposed for the explanation of the anti-aging effects of CPH in terms of the membrane hypothesis of aging.

Age-related changes in the structure and function of chromatin: a review

Due to rapid advancement in biochemical and biophysical techniques during the last decade, extensive studies have been undertaken to understand the structure and function of chromatin. Several interesting results have been reported regarding the changes in basic organization and function of chromatin during the life time of a eukaryotic cell. The data accumulated so far have been obtained with different organs and organisms and widely differing methods, and the conclusions drawn from them are sometimes contradictory. In this paper, therefore, the available data on the age-associated alterations in the composition, structure and function of chromatin have been discussed, and an attempt has been made to correlate the structural changes in chromatin with alteration in gene expression during aging.

Age-dependent decrease of the passive Rb+ and K+ permeability of the nerve cell membranes in rat brain cortex as revealed by in vivo measurement of the Rb+ discrimination ratio

Young, adult and old male CFY rats (2, 12 and 24 mth of age, respectively) were treated with a daily dose of 30 mg RbCl/100 g body weight, in form of aqueous solution injected intraperitoneally for 14 days. A considerable part of the intracellular K+-content of the body was replaced by Rb+ during this treatment. After cessation of the RbCl injections, a relative steady state came into being in each age group, called Rb+-release period. During this period Rb+ and K+ contents of the blood serum and the cisternal CSF were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and of the intracellular space of brain cortical cells by energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Ultrastructural features of the brain cortex were also checked by transmission electron microscopy. For X-ray microanalysis, the L-line of Rb at 1.694 keV energy was used at 10 kV accelerating voltage in a scanning electron microscope equipped with an EDAX System F. Rb+ and K+ concentrations were obtained for the cellular dry mass and converted into wet concentrations on the basis of intracellular water contents known from former experiments. Rb+-replacement of K+ did not cause any ultrastructural alteration in the brain cortex. However, the Rb+ accumulation displayed a very significant age-dependent increase: at the beginning of release, adult and old rats had 32.6 and 44.7 mM Rb+ in their intracellular water as against the 8.6 mM found in the young group, and similar proportional difference persisted during 20 days of the release. Rb+ discrimination ratios (DR) calculated either for the blood or the CSF displayed very considerable age-dependent increase: the values of the adult and old groups were 191 and 242% of the young one, indicating that the passive Rb+ (and K+) permeability of the nerve cell membrane decreases throughout the life span of rats. These results give further support to the membrane hypothesis of aging.

Centrophenoxine increases the rates of total and mRNA synthesis in the brain cortex of old rats: an explanation of its action in terms of the membrane hypothesis of aging

The rates of total and polyA+ RNA (mRNA) synthesis were measured by radioisotope technique in the brain cortex of female CFY rats. There was practically no significant difference between the young (1.5 months) and adult (13 months) rats; however, the old group (26 months) displayed a considerable decrease of the rates of synthesis of both classes of RNA studied. Centrophenoxine treatment (100 mg per kg body weight per day, for 2 months) reversed this tendency, and increased significantly the synthesis rates of old rats almost to the adult level. The results are interpreted in terms of the membrane hypothesis of aging, attributing a free-radical scavenger function of the dimethylamino-ethanol incorporated into the nerve cell membrane from the centrophenoxine.

Spin label studies on synaptosomal membranes of rat brain cortex during aging

Membrane lipids of brain synaptosomes of 2, 12 and 24 months old rats were labeled by stearic acid spin probes with a doxyl group in the C-5 and C-16 position, respectively. We demonstrated that the hydrophobic region of synaptosomal membranes became more rigid during the life span studied, and the region located nearer the surface of membranes displays a significantly decreased fluidity only in the oldest group. Membrane proteins labeled with a nitroxide derivative of maleimide suggest that conformational changes take place during aging.

In vivo stimulation of nerve cells by phytohemagglutinin. II. Alterations in the rate of total and mRNA synthesis in the brain cortex of old rats

Bacto-phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P) was administered in form of a single intralumbar injection of 2 mg/100 g body weight dose to 24- to 28-mth-old female CGY rats. The accuracy of the injection technique was checked by adding 2% lidocaine to the injection mixture, which resulted in a transient and symmetric paralysis of the posterior limbs when reaching the cerebrospinal fluid. The total RNA content of the liver and brain cortex were measured, and phenolic extraction of RNA was performed the brain cortex. Poly(A) +RNA (mRNA) was separated from the total RNA of the brain cortex by oligo(dT)-cellulose chromatography. Pulse labeling with tritiated uridine was performed 45 min before killing the animals and the incorporation of the radiolabel was measured in the respective RNA classes and corrected for the nucleotide pool size. The rates of total and mRNA synthesis are expressed in percentages of the young untreated rats and compared to old untreated animals. The effects of PHA-P was studied at 4, 10, 20 and 44 h after its injection. A considerable increase of the total RNA content of the brain cortex was measured during the first 10 h of the experiment followed by a slow decrease. However, the RNA content of the brain cortex was still significantly higher at the end of experiment compared to untreated old rats. The rate of total RNA synthesis increased significantly during the first 10 h and remained constantly high until 44 h. The rate of mRNA synthesis increased to a higher extent than that of the total RNA, and also remained high until 44 h.