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 norm obaric hyperoxia. This exogenous oxidative insult results in a decline in c erebellar 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 ra ts with diets high in antioxidant capacity. Foods such as blueberries and s pinach can prevent and/or reverse age-related declines in cerebellar noradr energic receptor function. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All right s reserved.