Cytoprotective Effect of -Deprenyl

Under various trade names, (-)-deprenyl has been prescribed for parkinsonian patients for several decades. Its other major medical indication includes as an antidepressant, as an anti-aging and improving sexual dysfunction have also been described. Cytoprotection by (-)-deprenyl was conceptualized by various authors. One of the most important pharmacological actions of (-)-deprenyl is connected to its induction of both superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes in the brain (1). Following intracerebroventricular administration of (-)-deprenyl its metabolism in the rat brain by N-dealkylation was published by Lajtha et al. (2) and the major metabolites of (-)-deprenyl were detected as consequence of direct brain metabolism. Independently from the way of its administration and following an appropriate dose (-)deprenyl was recorded in the rat brain (3) and in the human brain (4). Any metabolic dealkylation requires consumption of molecular oxygen and during the metabolic processes, oxygen free radicals are produced that are eliminated by the induced elevated levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase in the various physiological compartments of patients having (-)-deprenyl treatment. Our suggestion is that (-)-deprenyl definitely decreases the oxidative stress, resulting in cytoprotection.