Effect of dimethylaminoethyl p-chlorophenoxyacetate on the life span of male swiss webster albino mice

Abstract

Dimethylaminoethyl p-chlorophenoxyacetate increased the median, mean and maximum survival time from the start of drug administration of male Swiss Webster Albino mice by 29·5 per cent, 27·3 per cent ( P = 0·039) and 39·7 per cent respectively. The drug treatment was associated with some loss of weight. The drug was previously reported to reduce lipofuscin pigments in the neurons of senile guinea pigs, while concomitantly reducing the activity of the lysosomal enzymes, acid phostase and simple esterase. This suggests that the drug is active with respect to three postulated mechanisms involving lysosomes in the aging process. Within minutes after dissolving in water, dimethylaminoethyl p-chlorophenoxyacetate breaks down into dimethylaminoethanol and p-chlorophenoxyacetic acid. The observed effects therefore may be those of the hydrolysis products.