Enhancing effect of rasagiline on superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the dopaminergic system in the rat

Rasagiline [N-propargyl-1(R)-aminoindan] is a selective irreversible MAO-B inhibitor as is(-)deprenyl. The effect of the drug on antioxidant enzyme ac tivities on dopaminergic tissue was examined in male F-344 rats (8.5-months -old), Two experi-mental groups were infused subcutaneously with rasagiline saline solutions by means of osmotic minipumpus implanted subcutaneously i n the back of the rats. Control animals were also similarly implanted with saline filled mini-pumps. Three-and-one-half weeks later, animals were sacr ificed and selected tissue samples removed from brain, kidney and heart. Tw o doses of rasagiline (0.5 mg/kg/day, 1.0 mg/kg/day, both for 3.5 weeks) si gnificantly increased catalase activities about 2-fold in substantia nigra and striatum but not in hippocampus. Interestingly, in both renal cortex an d medulla, catalase (CAT) activities were significantly increased. Both Mn- and Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were increased 2 to 4 fold in substantia nigra, striatum and renal cortex and heart, Several groups, including our own have reported an extension of survival of deprenyl-treate d animals of different species. Although the mechanism(s) of the life exten sion by deprenyl remains unresolved, it would be interesting to investigate the effect of rasagiline on the survival of animals, since deprenyl also w as shown to increase antioxidant enzyme activities in brain dopaminergic re gions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.