Free radical-dependent nuclear localization of Bcl-2 in the central nervous system of aged rats is not associated with Bcl-2-mediated protection from apoptosis.

We have previously reported that Bcl-2 is up-regulated in the CNS of aged F344 rats as a consequence of oxidative stress. In addition to increased levels of expression, we now report that there is a subcellular redistribution of Bcl-2 in the CNS of aged F344 rats. Using western blotting, we found Bcl-2 predominantly located in the cytosol of young rats.

Free radical-dependent changes in constitutive Nuclear factor kappa B in the aged hippocampus.

We have examined the levels of constitutively active NF-kappaB subunits p65, p50 and p52 in the hippocampus of aged (24 months) young (3 months) F344 rats. Although we found no significant age-dependent difference in baseline nuclear levels of any subunit, we did note a differential response to treatment with the antioxidant PBN. While PBN significantly reduced nuclear levels of all three subunits in aged rats, only p50 was significantly reduced in the nuclei of young animals.