Antioxidant System and Energy Provision of the Rat Heart during Aging Depend on Illumination Regimen and Are Resistant to Exogenous Melatonin

Abstract

Activities of antioxidant enzymes, vitamin E level, lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme spectrum, and effects of melatonin on these parameters were studied in the myocardium of rats aged 6, 12, 18, and 24 months exposed to different illumination regimens. The greatest number of changes was recorded in rats exposed to permanent illumination and light deprivation. Activity of SOD decreased with age, while catalase activity increased. Melatonin treatment did not modify activities of antioxidant enzymes and negligibly modified the level of tocopherol and isoenzyme spectrum of lactate dehydrogenase in rat heart.

Functional state of rat cardiomyocytes and blood antioxidant system under psycho-emotional stress

“…The studied enzymes included aconitase, an enzyme from the citrate cycle. As previous studies suggest [21,24], the active center of aconitase is represented by an iron-sulfurous cluster, which is the reason why it shows high sensitivity toward active forms of oxygen. It can be possibly used as a specific marker, sensitive to the oxidative stress.…”

Comparison of the antioxidant system response to melatonin implant in raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and silver fox (Vulpes vulpes)

“…The total SOD activity was measured by the adrenochrome method based on the spontaneous autoxidation of epinephrine with the formation of product with an absorbance peak at 480 nm (16). This reaction depends on the presence of superoxide anions and is specifically inhibited by SOD.…”