L-deprenyl reverses age-associated decline in splenic norepinephrine, interleukin-2 and interferon-γ production in old female F344 rats

Aging in female rats is associated with cessation of reproductive cycles, development of mammary cancer, and increased incidence of autoimmune diseases. Previously, we demonstrated an age-related decline in sympathetic noradrenergic (NA) innervation in the spleen and lymph nodes of female F344 rats accompanied by significantly reduced natural killer cell activity, interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ production, and T- and B-cell proliferation, suggesting possible links between sympathetic activity and immunosenescence. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of l-(-)-deprenyl, a monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor, on the sympathetic nervous system and cell-mediated immune responses in old female rats. Methods: Low doses of l-deprenyl (0.25 or 1.0 mg/kg body weight, BW) were administered intraperitoneally to 19- to 21-month-old female F344 rats for 8 weeks. To assess the stereoselectivity of the effects of deprenyl on splenic sympathetic activity and immune responses, the d-enantiomer (d-(+)-deprenyl; 1.0 mg/kg BW) was also included in the studies. Norepinephrine (NE) concentration and content, and mitogen-induced T-cell proliferation and cytokine production were assessed in the splenocytes after deprenyl treatment. Results: Treatment with l-deprenyl reversed the age-related decrease in NE concentration and content and IFN-γ production, and increased IL-2 production in the spleen while d-deprenyl did not affect the age-associated reduction in splenic NE levels or cytokine production. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that l-deprenyl exerts neurorestorative and immunostimulatory effects on the sympathetic nervous system and cell-mediated immune responses during aging and provides evidence for a causal relationship between some aspects of immunosenescence and the age-related decline in sympathetic nerves in the spleens of female F344 rats.