Peritoneal macrophages function modulation by L-carnitine in aging rats

Abstract

The aging process is associated with a progressive decline in physiological functions involving immune response in most species. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of L-carnitine on impaired macrophages function in aged rats. Superoxide anion production, chemotaxis and phagocytic activity were studied in peritoneal macrophages obtained from young (2 months old) and aged (24 months old) rats. L-carnitine (50 mg/kg bw) or control vehicle was orally gavaged into young and aged rats for 30 consecutive days. The peritoneal macrophages of the aged rats exhibited an increase in superoxide anion generation and a decline in chemotaxis and phagocytic index by comparison with the young rats. Superoxide anion production in aged rats was significantly reduced by L-carnitine treatment, as accompanied by a significant enhancement of chemotactic activity, which was restored to control levels observed in young rats. The age-related reduction in phagocytic index was only slightly, but not significantly, restored by L-carnitine administration, however. The findings suggest that L-carnitine administration may be useful in reversing some age-related changes.