Antioxidant protection of cerebellar beta-adrenergic receptor function in aged F344 rats.

We examined whether a 2-week treatment with the spin-trapping agent MDL 101.002 (MDL) or a diet supplemented with vitamin E (Vit E) would alleviate age-related deficits in cerebellar noradrenergic function of male 18-20 month old F344 rats compared to age-matched controls. Cerebellar beta-adrenergic receptor function was assessed using extracellular recordings of Purkinje cells during iontophoresis of GABA and isoproterenol (ISO). Noradrenergic receptor function of MDL and Vit E-treated rats was similar to young rats whereas for non-treated rats it was typical of that previously recorded in aged rats. Thus, treatment with MDL or Vit E reverses age-related deficits in cerebellar noradrenergic receptor function.