Effects of aging on cerebellar noradrenergic function and motor learning: nutritional interventions.
Aging is associated with a decline in motor coordination and the ability to learn new motor learning skills. This loss of function is correlated with a decline in cerebellar beta-adrenergic receptor function. We have examined the role of oxidative stress on this system by exposing young rats to normobaric hyperoxia. This exogenous oxidative insult results in a decline in cerebellar beta-adrenergic receptor function that resembles what is observed in normal aged rats. This effect of hyperoxia is blocked by antioxidants. We have also examined the effects of nutritional supplementation of aged rats with diets high in antioxidant capacity. Foods such as blueberries and spinach can prevent and/or reverse age-related declines in cerebellar noradrenergic receptor function.
Bickford
P C
PC
Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262, USA. paula.bickford@uchsc.edu
Shukitt-Hale
B
B
Joseph
J
J
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D000375:Aging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000494:pharmacology; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D011689:Purkinje Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000494:pharmacology
D000975:Antioxidants; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D013566:Sympathomimetics; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D009638:Norepinephrine