4-Hydroxynonenal content lower in brains of 25 month old transgenic mice carrying the human CuZn superoxide dismutase gene than in brains of their non-transgenic littermates.

Basic peroxidation in brains of normal 2 month old mice was compared to that in brains of 25 month old mice by measurement of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and protein carbonyl contents. No significant age-related differences in 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal were observed, showing that lipid peroxidation is not a determining factor in cerebral aging. However, protein carbonyls increased with age in brains, indicating accumulation of age-related cell constituent damage. The role of excess CuZn superoxide dismutase in basal lipid peroxidation in mouse brains was studied by comparison of eight 25 month old transgenic mice and eight non-transgenic littermates. Higher 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal concentrations were found in normal mouse brains. These data suggest an increased protective role of CuZn superoxide dismutase against lipid peroxidation in transgenic mouse brains.