Effects of l-deprenyl on life extension and sexual behaviour in aged Fischer 344 rats

Abstract

The effect of l-deprenyl on sexual behavior and longevity was examined in aged male Fischer 344 rats. The rats (23-25 moo old) were administered saline or l-deprenyl (0.25 mg/kg) subcutaneously on every other day. Sexual behavior was studied prior to the start of treatment and at bimonthly intervals thereafter. Over 90% of the rats were sexually active before treatment and remained so for the duration of treatment - 6 months. We interpret this result as due to the animals being too old at the start of treatment. However, significant increases in both mean (approximately 16%) and maximum (approximately 17%) survival were seen in the l-deprenyl treated rats. Blood chemistry results suggest that the increased survival may be due to improved renal function. Analysis of body weights ruled out the possibility that deprenyl-induced dietary restriction was responsible for the increased survival, since the rats on l-deprenyl showed a slower rate of body weight decrease than did controls.