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Concentration in, and binding of several metals by myelin from mice
1Department of Public Health, Sapporo Medical College, Japan.
Abstract:
There was no significant difference between 6 and 28 week old mice, in the concentration of some elements, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mg in whole brain and myelin. Ca was found at a high level in myelin, compared to the whole brain. The binding activity of two neurotoxic metals, Cd and Mn to the myelin was not changed by ageing. However, the binding of some metals was different. In particular, Zn and Pb showed high values. Lipid peroxide (LPO) used as an index of age-associated changes did not increase in the brain of the 28-week-old group. However, testicular and cardiac LPO increased significantly in the 28-week-old mice than in the 6-week-old mice. At least, judging from the LPO concentration, it seems that the age-associated changes of the brain were not yet found in the 28-week-old mice.
Insights
Brain element concentrations and metal binding to myelin remained stable in aging mice up to 28 weeks. However, lipid peroxide (LPO) levels increased in the heart and testes, indicating age-associated changes in these organs, but not the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Aging is associated with biochemical changes in the brain.
- Myelin composition and metal binding can be affected by age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-associated changes in elemental concentrations and metal binding to brain myelin in mice.
- To assess lipid peroxide (LPO) levels as an indicator of aging in different tissues.
Main Methods:
- Elemental analysis of whole brain and myelin.
- Assessment of metal binding activity to myelin.
- Measurement of lipid peroxide (LPO) levels in brain, heart, and testes.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), and Magnesium (Mg) concentrations in whole brain and myelin between 6 and 28-week-old mice.
- Calcium (Ca) was found at higher levels in myelin compared to the whole brain.
- Binding of Cadmium (Cd) and Manganese (Mn) to myelin was unchanged by age; however, Zn and Lead (Pb) binding showed higher values.
- Brain LPO levels did not increase with age, but testicular and cardiac LPO levels significantly increased in 28-week-old mice compared to 6-week-old mice.
Conclusions:
- Age-associated changes in elemental composition and metal binding to brain myelin were not evident in 28-week-old mice.
- Increased LPO in the heart and testes suggests age-related oxidative stress in these organs, distinct from the brain.
- The brain appears resistant to early age-associated biochemical changes up to 28 weeks of age in this mouse model.