Research Paper Volume 1, Issue 4 pp 389—401
Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 inhibits age-dependent involution of the thymus in normal and senescence-prone rats
- 1 Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
- 2 A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- 3 Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 639090, Russia
Received: March 30, 2009 Accepted: April 20, 2009 Published: April 22, 2009
https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.100043How to Cite
Abstract
One of the most striking changes during mammal aging is a progressive involution of the thymus, associated with an increase in susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases and cancer. In order to delay age-related processes, we have developed mitochondria-targeted antioxidant plastoquinonyl decyltriphenyl phosphonium (SkQ1). Here we report that, at low doses, SkQ1 (250 nmol/kg per day) inhibited age-dependent involution of the thymus in normal (Wistar) and senescence-prone (OXYS) rats. SkQ1 preserved total weight and volume of the organ, the volume of thymic cortex and medulla, the thymic cellularity, and the number of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells in the thymus. Moreover, SkQ1 was especially effective in senescence-prone rats. Thus SkQ1 slows down age-linked decline of the immune system, explaining prevention by this compound of infection-caused death in rodents, previously described in our group.