Apoptotic proteins in the course of aging of central nervous system in the rat

Studies were performed on the level of cells with damaged DNA (TUNEL), the level of protein engaged in DNA repair (PARP) and the level of proteins indicating the extent of apoptosis (Bax:Bcl-2) (Western blot). The studies were performed on cerebral cortex (GM), white matter (WM), medulla oblongata (MO), cerebellum (C) of rats, 3.0-3.5-, 12-, 24-months of age. The highest levels of DNA injury in GM of 1-year-old rats and in MO of 2-year-old rats were accompanied by peak levels of PARP. In the remaining structures (WM, C) levels of DNA injury showed no correspondence with levels of PARP. Levels of Bax proteins exceeded levels of Blc-2 protein in all cerebral structures of young rats. In old animals, Bax protein continued to exceed Blc-2 levels both in GM and in MO, in which most pronounced fragmentation of DNA was observed. The data indicated that in spite of high level of TUNEL positive cells in aged brain PARP and Bcl-2 are probably engaged in protection of the cells against death. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.