Immunohistochemical detection of anti‐oxidative stress enzymes in the dog brain

Abstract

Anti‐oxidative stress enzymes were immunohistochemically detected in the brain from young to very‐aged dogs. More than half of the neurons in the cerebral cortex of the young dogs (< 5 years old) were positive for copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the staining intensity was strong. The number of Cu, Zn SOD‐positive neurons decreased with age, and only 10–50% of neurons were positive for SOD in the aged and very aged (> 9 years old) dogs. In contrast, no glial cells were immunostained for Cu, Zn SOD in the young dogs, and the number, as well as the staining intensity, increased with age, reaching > 50% in the aged and very aged dogs. Apoptotic brain cells, which were conspicuous in the aged dog brain, were negative for Cu, Zn SOD. The Cu, Zn SOD immunoreactions were also observed in the degenerative neurites of amyloid type senile plaques, vessels affected with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and reactive astroglia around these amyloid plaques and CAA in the aged and very aged dog brains. Diffuse type senile plaques were negative for Cu, Zn SOD. The number of catalase‐ or glutathione peroxidase‐positive cells varied among dogs regardless of their age. An age‐related decrease in number of Cu, Zn SOD‐positive neurons may enhance the toxicity of oxygen free radicals, resulting in neuronal cell death.