NO-synthase activity and generation of reactive oxygen species in the brain in old rats: Association with individual behavior

NO synthase activity and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured in different brain regions of old rats separated in an “emotional resonance” test into two groups: passive rats (those preferring a dark space) and active ones (those preferring a lighted space). In both groups, NO synthase activity and ROS generation were at the highest level in the cerebellum. In the tested brain regions of active rats, NO synthase activity was lower and ROS generation more strongly marked than in the respective regions of passive rats. Interregional positive linear correlations were discovered both for NO synthase activity and for ROS generation. When the two groups were considered together, negative correlations were detected between NO synthase activity and ROS generation. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 120, N ^o 8, pp. 145–147, August, 1995 Presented by I. P. Ashmarin, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences