Age-related effect of aluminium on the catalase activities of the brains of two species of poikilothermic vertebrates.
BACKGROUND
Although aluminium (Al) has been implicated in various neuropathological states with aging due to its involvement in neurotoxicity, the exact role of the metal ion is still unclear.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study is to ascertain whether the antioxidant enzymes of the brain protecting from oxidative damages which accumulate with aging are regulated by Al in an age-dependent manner.


METHODS
The inhibitory effect of Al on the catalase activity of brain homogenates of two species of poikilothermic vertebrates was studied in vitro using a spectrophotometric method.


RESULTS
At a final concentration of 666 microM, the metal ion inhibited the enzyme activity of the brain in both species. In fish brain the degree of inhibition was not age-dependent. On the other hand, the rate of inhibition increased between young and middle-aged lizards followed by a decline in the old counterparts.


CONCLUSIONS
Al inhibits catalase activity but this effect may not be a major contributing factor in the aging of the brain in the two species capable of maintaining their antioxidant capacity until old age.
Jena
B S
BS
Department of Zoology, Berhampur University, Chatrapur, Orissa, India.
Nayak
S B
SB
Patnaik
B K
BK
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000077410:Aluminum Chloride; D017607:Aluminum Compounds / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D001252:Astringents / Q000633:toxicity*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology; D002374:Catalase / Q000378:metabolism*; D002712:Chlorides / Q000633:toxicity*; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D005399:Fishes; D008116:Lizards; D008136:Longevity
D017607:Aluminum Compounds; D000975:Antioxidants; D001252:Astringents; D002712:Chlorides; D000077410:Aluminum Chloride; D002374:Catalase