Influence of the alpha 2 noradrenergic antagonist piperoxane on longevity in the Fischer-344 rat: a preliminary report.
Piperoxane is an alpha 2-noradrenergic antagonist with demonstrated excitatory effects on neurons in the locus coeruleus, causing a corresponding increase in norepinephrine in many forebrain areas. 16 male Fischer-344 rats approximately 16 months of age were injected with 3 mg/kg of piperoxane or .09% saline. The piperoxane-treated rats lived an average of 127.1 days longer than the saline-treated rats. The results are discussed in terms of the effects of strategies designed to enhance brain levels of catecholamine and their effect on the aging process. A discussion of further research is also presented.
Compton
D M
DM
Department of Psychology, Georgia College, Milledgeville 31061, USA.
Dietrich
K L
KL
Smith
J S
JS
D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D008125:Locus Coeruleus / Q000187:drug effects; D008136:Longevity / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000502:physiology*; D010883:Piperoxan / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344
D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D010883:Piperoxan; D009638:Norepinephrine