Influence of aging on thromboxane A(2) and prostacyclin levels in rat hippocampal brain slices

We have investigated the influence of age (3, 18, 24 months) on Thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) and Prostacyclin (PGI(2)) levels in hippocampal slices from F344/NHSD rats. A significant increase in TXA(2) and PGI(2) levels was obse rved in 18 and 24 months old compared to 3 months old animals. A significan t reduction in the ratio TXA(2)/PGI(2) produced by a higher increase in PGI (2) was observed in 24 month old animals The reduction in the TXA(2)/PGI(2) ratio has been related to vasodilatory and antiaggregating effects that ma y contribute to protect the brain against neuronal damage. (C) 2000 Elsevie r Science Inc. All rights reserved.